Being told you may have skin cancer can feel overwhelming. It’s one of those diagnoses that tends to raise immediate concern, but the truth is, most skin cancers are treatable, especially when caught early. At Premier Surgical in Cleveland, TN, General Surgeon Dr. Eston Wenger offers expert surgical removal of skin cancer using safe, proven techniques that prioritize both your health and your comfort.
Whether you’ve recently had a suspicious spot biopsied or are preparing for skin cancer removal, knowing what to expect can make the process far less stressful. This guide will walk through the basics of skin cancer, when and why removal is necessary, and how Dr. Wenger approaches this common outpatient procedure with care and precision.
What Is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer develops when the cells in your skin grow abnormally, often due to long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning beds. It’s the most common type of cancer in the United States, affecting millions of people each year.
There are three major types of skin cancer:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): This is the most common form. It usually grows slowly and rarely spreads, but it can cause damage to nearby tissues if not treated.
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): This type may grow more rapidly than BCC and has a slightly higher chance of spreading, especially if left untreated.
- Melanoma: Though less common, melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. It can spread quickly to other parts of the body and must be treated promptly.
Skin cancer often appears on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, scalp, ears, chest, arms, and hands—but it can develop anywhere on the body.
Why Is Skin Cancer Removal Necessary?
Once a skin lesion is confirmed or suspected to be cancerous, surgical removal is often the best course of action. Even small skin cancers can continue to grow or spread if not treated. In many cases, removing the abnormal tissue is not only curative but also helps prevent further complications.
Skin cancer removal may be recommended in the following situations:
- A biopsy confirms a basal cell, squamous cell, or early melanoma lesion
- A mole or spot has changed in size, shape, or color over time
- A growth has become painful, itchy, or starts to bleed
- A precancerous lesion shows signs of progression
- The location or size of the growth poses a higher risk for spreading
Surgical removal is one of the most effective ways to ensure that all abnormal cells are eliminated. It also provides a tissue sample for further testing to confirm that margins are clear—that is, that all of the cancer has been removed.
What to Expect During Skin Cancer Removal
At Premier Surgical in Cleveland, many skin cancer removals are performed in-office under local anesthesia. This means that the area will be completely numbed, and you’ll remain awake and comfortable throughout the procedure. There is no need for a hospital stay or general anesthesia.
Here’s what typically happens:
- Dr. Wenger will carefully mark the area to be removed and clean the skin.
- A numbing injection is given to prevent discomfort.
- The cancerous tissue is surgically excised, along with a margin of surrounding healthy skin to help ensure complete removal.
- Depending on the size and location, the area may be closed with stitches or allowed to heal naturally.
- The removed tissue is sent to a lab to confirm that the margins are clear of cancer.
The procedure generally takes less than an hour. For small lesions, the incision may be minimal. For larger or more visible areas—such as the face or neck—Dr. Wenger will use techniques that balance complete removal with good cosmetic outcomes.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Most patients recover quickly after skin cancer removal. You’ll be able to go home the same day and resume most light activities. Some mild soreness, redness, or swelling around the incision site is normal for the first few days.
Dr. Wenger will provide detailed aftercare instructions, which may include:
- How to keep the area clean and dry
- When to change bandages or apply ointment
- When to expect stitches to be removed (usually within 7–14 days)
- What signs to watch for in case of infection
For most people, discomfort is mild and easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Scarring varies depending on the size and depth of the removal, but Dr. Wenger uses careful closure techniques to promote healing and minimize visible marks.
What About Follow-Up and Prevention?
After your procedure, you will have a follow-up visit to monitor healing and discuss pathology results. If the cancer was fully removed and margins are clear, no additional treatment may be needed.
Moving forward, it’s important to stay vigilant. Having had one skin cancer increases your risk of developing another. Dr. Wenger may recommend:
- Regular skin checks with your dermatologist or primary care provider
- Monitoring your skin for new or changing spots
- Using daily sunscreen and protective clothing
- Avoiding tanning beds and limiting sun exposure, especially during peak hours
Early detection is the key to successful treatment, and many skin cancers are spotted by patients themselves.
Why Choose Dr. Eston Wenger for Skin Cancer Removal?
Dr. Eston Wenger is a board-certified general surgeon with extensive experience performing skin cancer removals and other minor skin procedures. At Premier Surgical in Cleveland, TN, he treats a wide range of conditions in a calm, comfortable outpatient setting.
Patients choose Dr. Wenger for his:
- Surgical precision and attention to cosmetic outcomes
- Clear communication and approachable demeanor
- Dedication to patient safety and education
- Convenient care close to home—no need to travel for specialty treatment
His goal is not only to remove the cancer completely but also to make sure you understand every step of the process.
Take the First Step Toward Peace of Mind
Hearing the words “skin cancer” is never easy, but in most cases, it can be successfully treated with a simple surgical procedure. Whether you’re facing a confirmed diagnosis or have a suspicious spot that needs evaluation, Dr. Eston Wenger and the team at Premier Surgical are here to help.
Schedule an appointment online or call our Cleveland, TN office at (423) 472-5423 today to schedule a consultation. Getting clarity—and care—starts with one conversation.
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