Procedure
Skin Cancer Removal Surgery in Cyprus
Surgical removal of a skin tumour or precancerous lesion, with a margin of healthy tissue, followed by reconstruction of the defect. Classic excision and Mohs micrographic surgery are the two approaches used.
Procedure facts
- Duration
- 30 minutes
- Anaesthesia
- Local
- Hospital stay
- Day surgery
- Pre-admission tests
- Blood tests
- Downtime
- 1–2 weeks
- Driving
- Next day
- Exercise
- 2–3 weeks
- Final result
- 1 month
Overview
Sun exposure and genetics make the skin prone to the abnormal growth of skin cells known as skin cancer.
People diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or melanoma — the most serious form — undergo surgery to remove the cancerous growth. The surgical removal of suspicious skin lesions saves lives.
After the removal, the skin is reconstructed to restore a natural appearance and minimise scarring or disfigurement, particularly where the skin cancer occurs on the face.
What the surgery involves
A cancer diagnosis usually requires surgery to remove the skin tumour, or the precancerous lesions, before they grow further and put the patient’s life in danger.
The surgeon also removes a portion of the healthy skin around the tumour or lesion, to take out any cancer cells that have spread into the surrounding area. Extensive surgical resection is necessary particularly in advanced skin cancer, and typically precedes radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
Local flaps, skin grafts and other techniques are used to restore a natural look and minimise scarring.
How the cancer is removed
There are two approaches.
Classic excision
The surgeon removes the visible skin tumour or lesions, together with a portion of the healthy surrounding tissue, because cancer cells may have spread into the area around the visible tumour. The removed skin is sent to the laboratory for tissue processing, and the results are available after at least 15 days.
Mohs micrographic surgery
Mohs surgery requires specific surgical training. The surgeon removes a thin layer of skin including the tumour, then examines the extracted sample under a microscope. If cancer cells are found in the sample, another layer is removed and checked. The process is repeated until the samples are free of cancerous cells. The goal is to preserve as much unaffected skin around the tumour as possible.
Recovery
Skin cancer removal and reconstruction requires local anaesthesia, with or without sedation.
Recovery depends on the extent and complexity of the surgical site. Most patients can return to everyday activities from the first day after surgery and recover fully within a week.
The appearance of the treated area improves gradually within six to eight weeks. Your reconstructive surgeon may suggest small corrections to the scars at a later stage. Skincare and sun protection are necessary during the healing period.
Where the surgery takes place
Dr. Stavrou performs skin cancer removal surgery in accredited medical centres in Cyprus (Nicosia and Limassol), Greece (Athens) and Malta (Sliema). After the procedure the patient is transferred to the recovery suite and monitored by the medical staff.
Risks and considerations
As with any surgical procedure, cancer removal surgery carries the risk of excessive bleeding, infection, changes in skin sensation, temporary or permanent numbness around the surgical area, itching, extended scarring, or the possibility of revision surgery in the future. It is a safe procedure only when performed by a skilled, experienced and board-certified reconstructive plastic surgeon.
Questions patients ask
How long does it take for a skin cancer removal to heal?
Healing time following skin cancer removal surgery depends on the technique used. Less extensive wounds might take from one to three weeks to heal. Where the surgeon has removed a large area of skin and used a skin graft on the surgical site, recovery lasts longer.
Is skin cancer removal painful?
Patients do not feel any pain during the surgery, as they have received local anaesthesia with or without sedation. A feeling of discomfort afterwards is normal and is fully controlled with the pain medication prescribed by your doctor.
How does Mohs surgery differ from standard excision?
In standard excision the visible tumour is removed together with a margin of healthy tissue and the specimen is sent for histological examination. In Mohs surgery the surgeon removes thin layers of skin and examines them one after another under the microscope, so that as much healthy skin as possible is preserved.
Where it is performed
- Surgery in Cyprus
- The Surgery Center 3i, Strovolos
- Surgery in Athens
- Iatriko Athinon, Marousi Mediterraneo Hospital, Glyfada
Where yours takes place is agreed at the consultation.
How we quote
A quotation follows consultation, because what it costs depends on what the operation actually involves for you — the technique, the time in theatre, and whether anything is being addressed at the same time. We do not publish price lists and we do not quote before examining you.
Arranging a consultation
Book a slot in the clinic diary directly, or send the details of what you are considering and we will reply with the times we have.