What To Expect After A Skin Cancer Surgery
Many forms of skin cancer are very treatable with a skin cancer surgery. However, the surgery is only the first stage of the recovery process. Fully recovering from skin cancer can be difficult, but if you know what to expect from your surgery, you will be better prepared to recover.
Bleeding and Infections
Skin cancer surgery is usually used to remove basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. The approach taken depends on how much of the skin must remain afterward. Fortunately, most surgeries only remove a small portion of the skin, so it is not as difficult to recover.
The wound created by the skin cancer surgery may bleed and cause pain. There is also a risk that the wound might become infected, so you and your doctor will need to look for the warning signs of infection so that steps can be taken to treat the infection.
Scarring
A scar might form as a result of the skin cancer surgery. While there are some cases where it is impossible to avoid a surgical scar, more highly-skilled surgeons are usually better able to reduce the likelihood that you will develop a scar.
Skin Grafts That Don't Take
The skin graft might not heal. To minimize this risk, you will want to protect the area of the skin graft while it heals and your doctor will instruct you on how to soak up any fluid that leaks from the wound. Keep the area clean and free from dirt or sweat.
Returning Skin Cancer
Sometimes, all of the skin cancer cells might not be completely removed. This can leave a margin area that still has cancerous cells. These edges are usually inspected by a pathologist to determine if the cancer cells still remain on the margin of the site of the skin cancer surgery. If skin cancer does return, it is most likely to return within the first five years of your treatment. Therefore, you will want to have your skin inspected at least once a month. Depending on the severity of the skin cancer, your doctor may ask you to undergo a CT scan.
Psychological Obstacles to Going Outside
After a skin cancer surgery, you will want to consider going into therapy. Some skin cancer patients claim that they struggle with simple tasks such as going outside because they fear that more sun exposure will lead to the skin cancer tumor returning. While it is true that you will need to take steps to protect yourself from the sun such as always wearing effective sunscreen, long sleeves and long pants, you can still enjoy the outdoors. For more information, contact a business such as Countryside Dermatology & Laser Center.
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