Skin Cancer Removal
Skin Cancer Removal
Checking moles

What are Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers?

Basal and squamous cells are two of the main types of cells found in our skin. When these cells grow out of control, it’s a sign of cancer. Basal and squamous cell skin cancers are often the result of skin exposure to the sun. These cancers often develop on the head, face, ears, neck, arms, and hands. These are non-melanoma skin cancers that are slow to go and, unfortunately, quite common. Basal cell skin cancer is found on the surface of the skin, while squamous cell skin cancer is found deeper under the skin. 
The first sign of skin cell cancer is the appearance of a lumpy growth or sore that fails to disappear. This lump may have a red appearance and feel firm. You may also see pink or red skin lesions on sun-exposed areas. If there’s a spot on your skin that has an odd appearance, a biopsy may be done to determine if it’s cancerous. 

Surgical Treatment Options

The most thorough way to treat both basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer is through surgical procedures. Amherst Surgical Associates PC offers expert surgical treatment for skin cancer removal. In the early stages, basal and squamous cell skin cancers can be cut out of the skin in a simple procedure. Sometimes, the cancer is so easy to remove that it happens during a biopsy. 


The procedure to remove skin cancer from the body is known as curettage. This is treatment where the cancerous lump is numbed with anesthetic and scooped out with an instrument known as a curette. To completely clean the wound left behind and eliminate remaining cancer cells, an electric current treatment called electrodesiccation is used. 


To treat skin cells cancers that are more advanced, several surgical treatment options are available. Cryosurgery can treat small skin cancers by using liquid nitrogen to freeze the lump, killing all the cancerous cells. Laser therapy is also a commonly used option to target and destroy cancer cells.


Amherst Surgical Associates PC also offers Mohs’ surgery, a treatment where the cancerous tissues are shaved off little by little until the entire cancer is gone. Radiation therapy and topical chemotherapy are also options used to treat skin cancer. Contact Amherst Surgical Associates PC to ask about cancerous skin removal treatment options available at our Maple Road location. Our general surgeons treat skin cancer patients from Buffalo, NY; Tonawanda, NY; Williamsville, NY; Amherst, NY, and the surrounding areas. 

Share by: