A skin cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but with the right surgical team and a clear treatment plan, the path forward is manageable. Skin cancer excision is one of the most common and effective methods of treating skin cancer, and for many patients, it represents the first and only treatment needed to achieve a full recovery.
At Clarity Skin Centers, Dr. Hendrickson is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon with extensive experience in skin cancer treatment. He brings a level of precision, skill, and genuine compassion to every procedure, taking the time to make sure you fully understand your diagnosis, your options, and what to expect at every step. When skin cancer is caught early and treated properly, outcomes are excellent. Expert skin cancer care is available right here in New Wilmington and the surrounding Western Pennsylvania community. Request an appointment today.
Skin cancer excision is a surgical procedure in which the cancerous lesion and a surrounding margin of healthy tissue are removed to ensure complete elimination of cancer cells. It is a well-established, highly effective treatment for many types of skin cancer — particularly those that are smaller in size or located in areas of the body away from the face and neck.
During the procedure, Dr. Hendrickson carefully removes the lesion along with a predetermined margin of surrounding tissue. The removed tissue is then sent to a pathology lab to confirm that the margins are clear — meaning no cancer cells remain at the edges of the excised tissue. If margins are clear, no further surgical intervention is needed. The wound is then closed using the most appropriate technique for the size and location of the excision.
For skin cancers located on the face, neck, hands, or feet — or those that are larger, recurrent, or have poorly defined borders — Mohs surgery may be the more appropriate treatment. Dr. Hendrickson will evaluate your specific diagnosis and recommend the approach that gives you the best possible outcome.
One of the most common questions patients ask after a skin cancer diagnosis is: “Is skin cancer curable?” The answer, in many cases, is yes, particularly when detected and treated early. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, the two most common types of skin cancer, have very high cure rates when treated promptly and appropriately. Melanoma, while more serious, also carries an excellent prognosis when caught in its early stages.
The key factors that influence outcomes include:
Dr. Hendrickson is committed to not just treating your current diagnosis, but to partnering with you for the long-term health of your skin.
Both excision and Mohs surgery are effective surgical treatments for skin cancer, but they differ in technique and application. Standard excision removes the cancerous lesion along with a margin of surrounding tissue, which is then sent to an external lab for margin analysis. Mohs surgery is a more specialized technique in which tissue is removed and examined in real time, layer by layer, until all margins are confirmed clear. Mohs is particularly advantageous for cancers in cosmetically sensitive areas or those with complex borders. Dr. Hendrickson will evaluate your specific diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate approach for your situation.
Skin cancer excision is typically a straightforward, in-office procedure. The surgery itself usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the size and location of the lesion. Most patients return to normal activities within a day or two, though some restrictions — such as avoiding strenuous activity — may apply during the healing period. Dr. Hendrickson will provide thorough aftercare instructions and schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor healing and review pathology results.
After the procedure, the excised tissue is sent to a pathology lab to confirm that all margins are clear. Dr. Hendrickson will contact you with results, typically within one to two weeks. If margins are clear, no additional surgery is needed, though ongoing skin monitoring and annual skin cancer screenings are strongly recommended. If margins are not clear, further treatment will be discussed. Throughout the process, Dr. Hendrickson will make sure you are fully informed and supported at every step.
Clarity Skin Centers is proud to bring expert skin cancer care to the Western Pennsylvania community. We serve patients from throughout the region — including New Castle, Grove City, Hermitage, Sharon, Clarion, and beyond — so you don't have to travel far for high-quality skin cancer treatment. Online scheduling is available for your convenience. Request an appointment today. When it comes to skin cancer, early action makes all the difference, and we are here to help every step of the way.