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If you live in Tampa, Florida, and require surgery for skin cancer, world-class treatment is closer than you may have imagined at Moffitt Cancer Center. Established locally in 1986, Moffitt currently serves as a global leader in the surgical treatment of all types of malignancies, including nonmelanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Patients within our Cutaneous Oncology Program have access to progressive surgical techniques, other treatments and friendly supportive care from a multispecialty team of experts in a single, convenient location.

Skin cancer surgery is often all that is necessary to treat nonmelanoma skin lesions, as these malignancies rarely spread beyond their original site. However, effective skin cancer treatment is not one-size-fits-all. A Moffitt surgeon may recommend one of several surgical procedures depending on the specific location, stage and cellular makeup of the cancer:

  • Dermabrasion – The top layer of cancerous skin is removed through friction using tiny, polishing granules.
  • Mohs surgery – The tumor is removed layer by layer and closely examined until no sign of cancerous activity is present.
  • Cryosurgery – Cancer cells are destroyed through the targeted application of frozen gas or another freezing agent.
  • Electrodessication and curettage – A curette (a sharp, spoon-shaped tool) is used to remove the tumor, and a gentle electric current is applied through a small instrument to cease subsequent bleeding.

Moffitt in Tampa, FL, is a high-volume cancer center. This means the surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, plastic surgeons, dermatologists and dermatopathologists within our skin cancer program have a high level of experience treating even the most rare and complex malignancies. Following skin cancer surgery, our patients can continue to turn to Moffitt for follow-up treatment and to participate in our unique surveillance program, which can detect potential cancerous activity in its earliest stages.

Call 1-888-663-3488 or complete a new patient registration form if you would like to consult with a Moffitt physician regarding your skin cancer surgery options. Referrals are not necessary to visit our cancer center in Tampa, FL.

Skin Cancer (Nonmelanoma)