Skin Cancer Surgery

When the diagnosis is skin cancer

Most skin tumours respond well to treatment if they are removed completely. For basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, surgery is the standard approach; with malignant melanoma, the depth of invasion determines what happens next. We operate in our own on-site treatment room at Grüneburgweg – as an outpatient procedure, under local anaesthetic, without a hospital stay.

The procedure

First we remove the tumour with a defined safety margin. The tissue is always sent for histological examination: only the histological report shows whether the margins are free of tumour.

For the closure we choose the technique according to the site and size of the defect: direct suture, an advancement or transposition flap, and on the face a flap reconstruction along the natural skin tension lines. The aim is a scar that shows as little as possible later on.

After the procedure

Sutures are removed after 7 to 14 days, depending on the area of the body
We discuss the histological report with you in person
Please avoid sport, sauna and swimming pools for about two weeks
Fresh scars need consistent sun protection with SPF 50

When we refer you on

Very large tumours, findings in a critical location, or melanomas that require a sentinel lymph node biopsy or further treatment belong in a specialist centre. We say so openly and arrange the referral – with all reports and images.

Frequently asked questions

Is skin cancer surgery done on an outpatient basis?

In most cases, yes. Basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas and many melanomas can be removed as an outpatient procedure under local anaesthetic. You go home the same day.

What happens to the tissue that is removed?

It is always examined histologically. The report shows whether the tumour has been removed completely and is usually available after a few days.

What if the margins are not free of tumour?

Then further surgery follows. Where the findings are unclear, we plan a two-stage approach from the outset and close the wound only once the histological result is available.

Will there be a scar?

Every incision leaves a scar. By placing the incision along the skin tension lines and choosing the appropriate wound closure, we keep it as inconspicuous as possible.

Does health insurance cover the cost?

Yes. Removing a skin tumour is medically indicated and is therefore covered by statutory health insurance, or billed under the GOÄ private fee schedule.

What happens after the operation?

Suture removal, a discussion of the findings and then follow-up care at set intervals.

Source: S3-Leitlinie "Prävention von Hautkrebs" (German S3 guideline on skin cancer prevention; DDG); S3-Leitlinie Melanom (German S3 guideline on melanoma, AWMF 032-024OL)