Sometimes a combination of these methods is used. Skin cancers can be cut from the skin. Sometimes they are completely removed at the time of biopsy and no further treatment in needed. The area is also treated with electrodesiccation. An electric current from a special machine is used to control bleeding and kill any cancer cells remaining around the edge of the wound.
Most patients develop a flat, white scar.
Moh's technique is a special type of surgery used for skin cancer. Its purpose is to remove all of the cancerous tissue and as little of the healthy tissue as possible. It is especially helpful when the doctor is not sure of the shape and depth of the tumor. After being given a local anesthetic, the cancer is shaved off one thin layer at a time. Each layer is checked under a microscope until the entire tumor is removed.