When it comes to skin cancer, the best course of action is to always consult with a qualified medical professional. Depending on the type of skin cancer, the prognosis, and the grade or stage of the cancer, a physician may recommend removing the cancerous cells. In some cases, the doctor may suggest that the cancer not be removed depending on its size and location.
When it comes to melanoma, which is the most serious type of skin cancer, the type of removal can vary. For early stage melanomas, a simple excision may be done. This is a procedure that removes the entire cancerous area, along with a surrounding area of normal skin. For more advanced stages, a larger excision may be necessary, which may include a lymph node dissection as well.
Non-melanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, are typically removed with a simple excision. This procedure removes the entire cancerous area and a surrounding area of normal skin. The goal of this procedure is to make sure that all of the cancer cells are removed, and to reduce the risk of recurrence.
In some cases, a doctor may suggest that the skin cancer not be removed. This may be the case for a very small, early stage skin cancer, or if the cancer is located in an area where surgery may be too risky. In these cases, the doctor may recommend a course of observation instead, and keeping an eye on the cancer to make sure it does not progress.
Ultimately, the decision to remove a skin cancer is one that should be made between the patient and the doctor. Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, the doctor may suggest a course of action, which may include removal. However, it is important to remember that not all skin cancers need to be removed, and that the decision should be made with the help of a qualified medical professional.