Visible location
Nose, ear, eyelid, lip, face, scalp, and neck sites are planned with appearance and function in mind.
Skin Cancer Surgery in North Georgia
Do you think you have a cancer of the ears, nose, or scalp?
Canton, Jasper, Blue Ridge, Blairsville, and surrounding communities.
Consider a consultation if this sounds familiar.
The visit helps clarify whether surgery is appropriate and which approach may be used.
- A biopsy showing basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma
- Scaly or non-healing area that you are suspicious that it could be cancer
- A recurrent skin cancer or cancer with unclear borders
- A referral to discuss removal or facial repair
Dr. Ronald Van Tuyl, M.D.
Surgical planning for visible head and neck areas.
Dr. Van Tuyl founded Ear, Nose, Throat & Allergy Specialist in 1995. Visits focus on biopsy review, examination, treatment options, and what repair may involve.
How surgery is planned.
The biopsy result, location, and amount of healthy tissue involved guide the surgical plan. On the face, ears, scalp, and neck, preservation of normal tissue is highly important. Excision and subsequent repair are carefully planned to accomplish the goal of normal tissue preservation and favorable cosmetic outcome.
Mohs surgery is one option for basal cell and squamous cell cancers of the face, ears, scalp and neck.
- 1 Review the diagnosis Your biopsy results, skin cancer type, and the location of the lesion guide the treatment plan.
- 2 Choose the surgical approach Treatment may involve Mohs micrographic surgery, excision, or another surgical plan.
- 3 Remove the skin cancer The goal is complete cancer removal while preserving healthy tissue whenever possible.
- 4 Plan repair and recovery Closure is planned around wound size, visibility, function, and healing.
Small changes can matter in visible areas.
The photo examples appear lower on the page. Here, the planning focus is location, borders, and repair.
Clear borders
The biopsy, cancer type, and visible edges help guide whether excision, Mohs surgery, or another approach fits.
Repair planning
Closure is considered early so the treatment plan accounts for wound size, healing, and follow-up care.
What to expect from diagnosis to next steps.
Many procedures are outpatient and performed with local anesthesia. Timing varies by the surgical approach, size, location, and repair needed.
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Review your biopsy
Your biopsy results and medical history guide the visit. -
Examine the area
The skin cancer site and surrounding tissue are evaluated. -
Discuss options
You review removal options and repair needs. -
Plan recovery
Repair, recovery, and follow-up instructions are reviewed.
Repair and recovery after removal.
Repair after skin cancer removal
Many sites are closed with stitches. Depending on the size and location, some wounds may require a flap or graft.
Medication and recovery planning
Before treatment, tell the office about your medical history and medications. Do not stop prescription medications unless your surgeon specifically tells you to do so.
Examples of changes in visible areas.
These images are examples only. A photo cannot diagnose skin cancer or determine whether surgery is needed.
Locations
Four North Georgia offices. Call one number and the team will help confirm the right location for your visit.
Blue Ridge
Riverstone Medical Campus
101 Riverstone Vista, Suite 212
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
Skin cancer surgery FAQs
What types of skin cancer may require surgery?
Many basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers are treated surgically, especially when they are growing, recurrent, have unclear borders, or are located in areas where function and appearance matter. The right treatment depends on the biopsy and your surgeon's evaluation.
Why does skin cancer on the face, ears, scalp, or neck need careful planning?
These areas are highly visible and can involve important structures with limited extra tissue. Surgical planning focuses on cancer removal, preservation of healthy tissue when possible, and thoughtful repair.
Is Mohs surgery the only surgical option?
No. Mohs surgery may be recommended for certain skin cancers, especially in tissue-sensitive areas or when margins are unclear. Other cases may be treated with excision or another surgical approach.
How long does skin cancer surgery take?
Timing varies by the type of surgery, the size and location of the cancer, and the repair needed. When Mohs surgery is used, many patients should plan for approximately 3 to 4 hours, though timing varies.
Will I be awake during skin cancer surgery?
Many skin cancer procedures are performed with local anesthesia, so the area is numb while you remain awake. Your surgical plan will be reviewed before treatment.
Will I need stitches or reconstruction after skin cancer removal?
Many surgical sites are closed with stitches. Depending on the size and location of the wound, a flap or skin graft may sometimes be recommended.
What should I do if I take blood thinners or other regular medications?
Do not stop prescription medications unless your surgeon specifically tells you to do so. If you take blood thinners or have questions about medications, contact the office before your procedure for guidance.
Ready to review next steps?
Request an appointment with Dr. Ronald Van Tuyl, or call the office directly.