SKIN CANCER: WHAT HAPPENS NEXT AFTER DIAGNOSIS
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) & Melanoma
A confirmed diagnosis of skin cancer can feel overwhelming. The next steps depend on:
• The type of skin cancer
• Tumor depth and histologic subtype
• Anatomic location
• Margin status
• Individual patient risk factors
At International Vein & Skin Institute (IVSI), your diagnosis is reviewed in person, and a treatment plan or referral pathway is clearly explained.
OVERVIEW OF COMMON SKIN CANCERS
BASAL CELL CARCINOMA (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer and arises from basal cells of the epidermis.
• Typically slow-growing
• Rarely metastasizes
• May become locally destructive if untreated
Certain subtypes (micronodular, morpheaform, infiltrative) require more specialized surgical planning.
SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA (SCC)
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma arises from keratinocytes and is invasive by definition.
• May develop from actinic keratosis
• Carries a greater risk of regional spread and metastasis than BCC
• Requires timely and appropriate treatment
High-risk SCC may require Mohs surgery or multidisciplinary management.
MELANOMA
Melanoma is biologically distinct from BCC and SCC and follows a different treatment pathway.
• Arises from melanocytes
• Risk is determined primarily by tumor thickness (Breslow depth)
• May require staging procedures
• Often involves surgical oncology coordination
Melanoma management is structured, guideline-driven, and multidisciplinary.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT AT IVSI
After diagnosis:
• Pathology is reviewed in person with Dr. Tryzno
• Clinical implications are explained clearly
• Surgical excision is scheduled when appropriate
• Referrals are coordinated when specialized care is required
• Follow-up and surveillance are individualized
TREATMENT PLANNING BY CANCER TYPE
The goal of treatment for BCC and SCC is:
Complete tumor removal with preservation of function and physical appearance.
Melanoma requires a different approach. While biopsy and selected excisions may be performed at IVSI, definitive melanoma treatment and staging are coordinated with oncology and surgical specialists.
BASAL CELL CARCINOMA (BCC): SURGICAL MANAGEMENT
Treatment selection depends on:
• Histologic subtype
• Tumor size and depth
• Anatomic location
• Margin status
LOW-RISK BCC
Standard surgical excision may be appropriate when:
• Borders are well-defined
• Histology is nodular or superficial
• Location is not high-risk
At IVSI:
• Procedures are performed in-office under local anesthesia
• A CO₂ laser may be used in cutting mode
• Margins are selected according to tumor type and guidelines
• Tissue is submitted for pathology
• Sutured closure is performed
While cure rates are high, no procedure guarantees complete tumor clearance. Additional treatment may be required if margins are involved.
HIGH-RISK BCC
Referral for Mohs micrographic surgery is recommended for:
• Morpheaform, micronodular, or infiltrative subtypes
• Recurrent tumors
• Poorly defined borders
• High-risk facial locations
Mohs surgery is not performed at IVSI. Appropriate referrals are coordinated when indicated.
SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA (SCC): RISK-BASED MANAGEMENT
Squamous cell carcinoma is invasive by definition and carries a greater metastatic potential compared to BCC.
Treatment planning considers:
• Tumor thickness
• Degree of differentiation
• Perineural involvement
• Anatomic location
• Immune status
LOW-RISK SCC
Selected early SCC may be treated with standard surgical excision when:
• The lesion is small
• Borders are defined
• No high-risk histologic features are present
Procedure details are similar to those described above for BCC when standard excision is appropriate.
HIGH-RISK SCC
Mohs surgery or multidisciplinary referral is recommended when:
• Lesions are large or deeply invasive
• High-risk facial areas are involved
• Poor differentiation or perineural invasion is reported
• The patient is immunocompromised
In certain advanced cases, oncology consultation may be required.
MELANOMA: DIFFERENT MANAGEMENT PATHWAY
Melanoma management differs significantly from BCC and SCC.
After biopsy confirms melanoma:
• Breslow depth is reviewed
• Margin status and ulceration are evaluated
• Staging considerations are discussed
Depending on depth and pathology:
• Wide local excision may be required
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy may be indicated
• Oncology referral is coordinated
Melanoma care follows established oncologic guidelines and requires multidisciplinary coordination.
FOLLOW-UP AND LONG-TERM SKIN CANCER SURVEILLANCE
After treatment:
• Follow-up intervals are determined by cancer type and risk level
• Full skin examinations are recommended
• Patients with prior skin cancer have increased risk of additional lesions
• Long-term surveillance is individualized
Patients diagnosed with melanoma require structured follow-up according to oncology guidelines.
DISCUSS NEXT STEPS IN YOUR CARE
We can review your pathology results and discuss appropriate treatment planning.
📞 Call (847) 518-9999 to discuss next steps in care.
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only
and does not replace professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment.
Treatment recommendations are based on individual clinical findings, diagnostic
testing when indicated, and patient-specific factors. Outcomes may vary,
and no specific medical or cosmetic result can be guaranteed.
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