Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer: Comparing Treatments

Cryosurgery

• Minimal equipment needed
• Simple to perform
• Cost-effective
• No restriction of activity after surgery

• Margin around cancer may not be free of cancer
• Moderately painful
• Slow healing
• Potential for scarring
• No skin tissue for diagnosis

Curettage and electrosurgery

• Minimal equipment needed
• Simple to perform
• Cost-effective
• No restriction of activity after surgery

• Margin around cancer may not be free of cancer
• Slow healing
• Potential for scarring

Excision

• Margin around cancer more likely to be free of cancer
• Tissue available for diagnosis
• More rapid healing
• Good cosmetic results

• Healthy skin tissue around cancer (margin) must be removed
• Activity restriction after surgery if skin graft or flap is needed

Mohs micrographic surgery

• Best chance of margins free of cancer
• Healthy skin tissue is preserved
• Tissue available for diagnosis
• Highest cure rates
• Good cosmetic results

• Specialized training and facilities needed
• Increased cost
• Takes more time to make sure margins are free of cancer
• Activity restriction after surgery if skin graft or flap is needed