What Is a Skin Cancer Excision?
A skin cancer excision is a standard outpatient procedure to remove a cancerous spot along with a small margin of surrounding healthy skin. It’s most commonly used for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and some early-stage melanomas.
Excision is a safe and effective way to treat skin cancer when the area is well-defined and not in a high-risk cosmetic zone (like the nose or eyelids).
Do I Need an Excision?
You may be a good candidate for skin cancer excision if:
- Your provider has diagnosed a basal or squamous cell carcinoma
- The cancer is in a low-tension or low-cosmetic-risk area
- A biopsy showed clear margins, or the lesion is small and well-contained
- You’ve been referred for surgical removal after diagnosis
- Mohs surgery isn’t needed for your specific case
Your provider will discuss the best option for your condition. Excision offers excellent cure rates and is often the most straightforward treatment path.
Why Summit?
At Summit, our skin cancer removal procedures are performed by highly trained dermatologic surgeons using precise, evidence-based techniques.
We make sure you understand your diagnosis, what removal involves, and what to expect after the procedure. Our dermatology and plastic surgery teams also work together to support excellent healing and, when needed, cosmetic reconstruction.
Have a spot that needs to come off? Let’s take care of it.
Doctor Spotlight
Dr. Roger Sica – Mohs Surgeon
Dr. Sica is a board-certified dermatologist and one of the region’s most experienced skin cancer surgeons. He performs both Mohs surgery and standard excisions, depending on each patient’s needs.
“The best treatment is the one that fits the person and the location,” says Dr. Sica. “For many skin cancers, a standard excision is the most efficient and effective solution. It’s quick, safe, and highly successful when done correctly.”
Dr. Sica performs over 1,000 skin cancer cases each year and is known for his clear communication and calm, compassionate care. He’s been serving the Wilmington and surrounding communities since 2010.
What to Expect
Skin cancer excisions are performed in our office under local anesthesia. The procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes.
Your provider will mark the area, clean the skin, and carefully remove the cancer along with a safety margin of healthy tissue. The site is then stitched closed. You’ll go home with bandages and detailed aftercare instructions.
Most patients return to light activity the next day. We’ll schedule a follow-up to monitor healing, review pathology results, and address any concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between an excision and Mohs surgery?
Excision involves removing the visible tumor along with a predetermined margin of healthy tissue in a single procedure. The excised tissue is then sent to a laboratory for analysis to confirm complete cancer removal.
Mohs surgery, on the other hand, removes the cancerous tissue layer by layer, examining each layer under a microscope during the procedure. This method continues until no cancer cells are detected, allowing for the preservation of as much healthy tissue as possible. Mohs is particularly beneficial for cancers in cosmetically sensitive areas or those with ill-defined borders.
Will I need stitches?
Yes. After the excision, the wound is typically closed with stitches to promote proper healing. The type of closure—whether simple suturing, skin flap, or graft—depends on the size and location of the excised area. Your provider will discuss the most appropriate method for your situation.
Will it leave a scar?
Some scarring is expected with any surgical procedure. However, our team employs meticulous surgical techniques to minimize scarring. Additionally, if further cosmetic refinement is desired, our plastic surgery specialists are available to assist.
How effective is it?
Surgical excision offers high cure rates, especially for well-defined, low-risk skin cancers. For instance, the five-year cure rate for primary basal cell carcinoma treated with standard excision ranges from 90% to 95%.
Is it covered by insurance?
Yes. Skin cancer excision is considered a medically necessary procedure and is typically covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare. Our administrative team will verify your benefits and provide information about any potential out-of-pocket costs before the procedure.
Real Stories From Real Patients
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Dr. Sica is one of the best doctors I have ever been to. He cares deeply for the patient and naturally thinks outside the box to co-create a solution that’s best for the patient. We are very fortunate to have him in our community. I am forever grateful for the gentle, caring and thoughtful skin cancer services he provides.
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Dr Sica made a large (5 in incision),removed the cancerous lesion and sewed it up. I am well pleased with the results 3 months later. There is only a single pink line visible . From experience, I expect the scar will hardly visible in a few mre months. I scar easily and am surprised at the results.
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I am so pleased that Summit Plastic Surgery & Dermatology took me in as a new patient. Finding new doctors when you move to a new area is not an easy task. Dr. Sica and his staff are so caring and welcoming. I felt at ease with him from the first moment I met him. The practice is well run from the front office staff to the medical staff that assist the doctors. I would recommend Dr. Sica to anyone who needs this type of medical treatment and follow up care.