CIGNA members: Please note that you may receive a letter in the mail stating that The Dermatology Center of Indiana is no longer in your network. This communication from CIGNA is incorrect and we would like to reassure you that we are still in network with CIGNA. We look forward to continuing to service you and your family for all your dermatology needs.

Excision of Basal Cell & Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Excision of Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinoma is a rather simple procedure where the physician’s task is the remove the entire growth of cancerous tissue from the body. This is done using a scalpel unlike similar surgeries such as curettage and electrodessication. The growth is removed along with a surrounding border of “normal” tissue as a safety margin. The wound is then closed and stitched and left to heal. After the procedure, the removed tissue is sent to the laboratory to ensure that all cancerous cells have been removed. This procedure generally has above a 95 percent cure rate of Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Afterwards, small excisions should heal without problems, whereas large excisions or excisions on the hands, feet, or face may require a skin graft to close the wound after surgery.