What Happens After Skin Cancer Is Found? Your Next Steps Explained

Medically reviewed by: Dr. Laurence Bradley | August 2026

Key Points

• A positive skin cancer diagnosis is frightening, but most skin cancers are highly treatable when caught early.
• The steps after a skin cancer diagnosis typically include reviewing your biopsy results, discussing treatment options, and scheduling the appropriate procedure.
• Mohs micrographic surgery is the gold standard treatment for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, offering cure rates of up to 99 percent.
• Dr. Bradley at Legacy Dermatology in Algonquin, IL guides patients through every step of the skin cancer treatment process from diagnosis through recovery.
• Ongoing skin checks after treatment are essential for catching new or recurring skin cancers early.

Getting a call that your biopsy came back positive for skin cancer is one of those moments that stops you in your tracks. Even if you suspected something was off, hearing the word cancer out loud hits differently. Your mind immediately jumps to questions. What does this mean? How serious is it? What happens now?

The good news is that most skin cancers, particularly the two most common types, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are highly treatable when caught at an early stage. A diagnosis is not the end of the story. It is the beginning of a very manageable and often straightforward treatment process.

This guide walks you through exactly what happens after skin cancer is found, what your treatment options look like, and how Dr. Bradley at Legacy Dermatology in Algonquin, IL supports patients from that first phone call all the way through recovery.



Step 1: Understanding Your Biopsy Results

The first step after a skin cancer diagnosis is understanding exactly what your biopsy found. A biopsy is the only definitive way to diagnose skin cancer. During a biopsy, a small sample of skin tissue is removed from the suspicious area and sent to a pathology lab where it is examined under a microscope.

Your biopsy report will typically include several key pieces of information that shape the treatment plan.

Type of Skin Cancer

The most common types detected through biopsy are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are non-melanoma skin cancers that respond exceptionally well to treatment, particularly Mohs micrographic surgery. Melanoma is less common but more aggressive and requires a different treatment approach.

Depth and Margins

The biopsy report will also note how deep the cancer cells extend into the skin and whether cancer cells were found at the edges of the removed tissue sample. Positive margins, meaning cancer cells were present at the edges, indicate that additional tissue needs to be removed.

Subtype and Aggressiveness

Some skin cancers have subtypes that grow more aggressively or are more likely to recur than others. This information directly influences which treatment approach is most appropriate for your situation.

When Dr. Bradley reviews your biopsy results with you, he will explain exactly what the report means in plain language and walk you through what it means for your treatment. You do not need to decode the medical terminology on your own. Learn more about the practice and Dr. Bradley's approach on the about us page.

Step 2: Discussing Your Treatment Options

Once your biopsy results are reviewed, the next step is discussing which treatment approach is most appropriate for your specific cancer. Several factors influence this decision including the type of cancer, its size, its location on the body, and whether it has any aggressive features.

Here is an overview of the main treatment options available at Legacy Dermatology.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery is the gold standard treatment for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. It is strongly recommended when the cancer is located on the face, nose, ears, eyelids, lips, scalp, hands, or any other cosmetically sensitive or functionally important area. It is also the preferred approach for cancers with poorly defined borders, large tumors, recurrent cancers, and cancers with aggressive features.

During Mohs surgery, Dr. Bradley removes thin layers of cancerous tissue one at a time and immediately examines each layer under a microscope in the office lab. This process continues until the tissue is completely clear of cancer cells. The result is the most thorough cancer removal possible while preserving the maximum amount of healthy surrounding tissue. Cure rates reach up to 99 percent for primary basal cell carcinoma.

If you want a deeper dive into exactly how Mohs surgery works, our blog post What Is Mohs Surgery and Do I Need It covers the full procedure step by step.

Surgical Excision

For some skin cancers in lower-risk locations, a standard surgical excision may be appropriate. This involves removing the tumor along with a predetermined margin of surrounding healthy tissue. The removed tissue is sent to an external pathology lab for analysis, with results typically returned within several days.

Excision is a well-established treatment option for lower-risk cancers but does not offer the same real-time margin analysis or tissue-sparing precision that Mohs surgery provides.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal or cancerous tissue. It is typically used for very small, superficial, and low-risk skin cancers or for precancerous conditions like actinic keratosis. It is a simple, quick in-office procedure with minimal downtime but is not appropriate for deeper or more complex skin cancers.

Treatment for Precancerous Conditions

If your biopsy revealed actinic keratosis rather than a confirmed skin cancer, treatment is still important. Actinic keratosis is a precancerous condition caused by sun damage that can develop into squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated. Cryotherapy is one of the most common and effective treatments for actinic keratosis and can be performed quickly right in the office.

Dr. Bradley will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your specific diagnosis. You can explore the full range of options on the skin cancer page and the complete dermatology services page. 

Step 3: Preparing for Your Procedure

Once a treatment plan is in place, the next step is preparing for your procedure. For patients having Mohs micrographic surgery, there are a few important things to know ahead of time.

Plan for a Full Day

Because each layer of tissue must be processed and examined before the next step, Mohs surgery typically takes several hours from start to finish. The exact length depends on how many layers need to be removed before the margins are clear. Patients should plan to spend most of the day at the office and arrange transportation if needed.

Medications and Blood Thinners

Some medications, including aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain supplements, can increase bleeding during and after surgery. Dr. Bradley will review your current medications at your pre-procedure appointment and advise you on which ones to pause and for how long before your surgery date.

Eat and Stay Hydrated

Unlike procedures that require general anesthesia, Mohs surgery is performed under local anesthesia and does not require fasting beforehand. In fact, eating a good meal and staying well hydrated before your appointment is encouraged. You will be in the office for several hours and want to be comfortable throughout.

Dress Comfortably

Wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of your procedure. Depending on where the cancer is located, you may need to avoid certain clothing items that would make accessing the treatment area difficult.

New patients can visit the new patients page to get a head start on paperwork and learn what to bring to their first appointment at Legacy Dermatology.

Step 4: Your Procedure Day

On the day of your procedure, the Legacy Dermatology team will walk you through each step so you always know what is happening and what comes next. Here is a general overview of what to expect.

You will be brought into the treatment room and the area around the cancer will be cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. Once the area is completely numb, Dr. Bradley will remove the first layer of tissue and place a temporary bandage over the wound while the tissue is processed.

During the waiting period between layers, you will be comfortable in the office. Most patients bring a book, listen to a podcast, or simply rest while they wait. When the microscopic analysis is complete, Dr. Bradley will let you know the results. If more tissue needs to be removed, the process repeats from the exact location where cancer cells were found. If the margins are clear, it is time to move on to wound closure.

Closure options are discussed based on the size and location of the wound. Smaller wounds may close simply with sutures. Larger or more complex wounds may require a skin flap or skin graft. Dr. Bradley will explain the closure plan and what the healing process will look like before you leave the office.

Step 5: Recovery After Skin Cancer Treatment

Recovery from Mohs surgery is generally very manageable for most patients. Here is what the recovery period typically looks like.

The First Few Days

Some soreness, swelling, and bruising around the surgical site are expected and completely normal. A bandage will need to be kept over the wound for several days while initial healing takes place. Dr. Bradley will provide detailed written aftercare instructions including how to clean and care for the wound, what to watch for in terms of signs of infection, and when to return for a follow-up visit.

Over-the-counter pain relievers are typically sufficient to manage any discomfort during the first few days. Strenuous physical activity should be avoided during the initial healing period, and the treated area should be protected from sun exposure during recovery.

Longer Term Healing

Full healing after Mohs surgery takes time and varies depending on the size of the wound and the closure method used. Most patients see significant improvement over the first several weeks, with continued healing and scar maturation over the following months. Dr. Bradley will monitor your healing at follow-up appointments and address any concerns along the way.

Step 6: Ongoing Skin Checks After Treatment

Successfully treating skin cancer does not mean the story is completely over. People who have had skin cancer once are at a higher risk of developing additional skin cancers in the future. This makes ongoing monitoring an essential part of long-term skin health after treatment.

Legacy Dermatology recommends regular skin checks for all patients who have been treated for skin cancer. How frequently you need to come in for monitoring depends on the type and stage of your cancer, your personal risk factors, and your overall skin health. Dr. Bradley will give you a clear monitoring schedule based on your individual situation.

Between professional skin checks, it is also a good idea to perform regular self-examinations at home. Familiarize yourself with the ABCDE warning signs of melanoma and report any new or changing spots to your dermatologist promptly. You can also review our guide on skin cancer screening in Algonquin, IL for more information on what routine monitoring looks like.

Protecting your skin from further UV damage is equally important going forward. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds all reduce your risk of developing new skin cancers over time.

Why Patients Choose Legacy Dermatology for Skin Cancer Treatment

Dr. Laurence Bradley is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon with specialized training in diagnosing and treating all forms of skin cancer. He performs Mohs micrographic surgery right in the Legacy Dermatology office in Algonquin, IL on an outpatient basis, meaning patients do not need to travel to a hospital or separate surgical center for their procedure.

Dr. Bradley also has a specialty focus on skin of color, which matters significantly in the context of skin cancer. Skin cancer in patients with darker skin tones is often diagnosed at a more advanced stage, which is why thorough, expert evaluation from someone who understands how skin cancer presents across all skin types is so important. Learn more on the about us page.

Legacy Dermatology is currently accepting new patients. If you have received a skin cancer diagnosis or have a spot you want evaluated, do not wait. Visit the new patients page to get started or browse the full dermatology services page to learn more about everything available at the practice.

FAQs About What Happens After Skin Cancer Is Found

How quickly do I need to treat skin cancer after diagnosis? Most skin cancers do not require emergency treatment, but prompt action is always advisable. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma generally grow slowly, but waiting too long allows them to grow larger and potentially more complex to treat. Scheduling your treatment consultation as soon as possible after receiving your diagnosis is always the right move.

Will I need more than one procedure? For Mohs surgery, everything is handled in a single appointment in most cases. The layer-by-layer approach continues until all cancer is confirmed removed before you leave. For other treatment types like standard excision, a second procedure may occasionally be needed if pathology results show positive margins.

What if my skin cancer has spread? The vast majority of basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas detected at routine skin checks are caught before they spread. If there is any concern about spread based on your specific diagnosis, Dr. Bradley will discuss appropriate next steps and referrals as needed.

Is it normal to feel anxious after a skin cancer diagnosis? Completely. A skin cancer diagnosis brings up a lot of emotions, and anxiety is one of the most common responses. The most helpful thing you can do is get informed, ask questions at your appointment, and take things one step at a time. The Legacy Dermatology team is here to answer your questions and support you through every step of the process.

What can I do to prevent future skin cancers? Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, avoiding tanning beds, and staying out of peak UV hours are all important preventive habits. Regular skin checks with a dermatologist allow for early detection of any new or precancerous lesions before they develop into something more significant.

FAQs About Legacy Dermatology

Does Legacy Dermatology treat all types of skin cancer? Yes. Dr. Bradley diagnoses and treats basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and precancerous conditions like actinic keratosis. Visit the skin cancer page for more details.

Does Legacy Dermatology perform Mohs surgery on-site? Yes. Mohs micrographic surgery is performed right in the Legacy Dermatology office in Algonquin, IL under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis.

Where is Legacy Dermatology located? Legacy Dermatology is at 2230 Huntington Drive N, Unit C-1, Algonquin, IL 60102.

How do I schedule an appointment? Call (847) 603-4146 or book online. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Is Legacy Dermatology accepting new patients? Yes. New patients are always welcome. Visit the new patients page to get started.

You Do Not Have to Navigate This Alone

A skin cancer diagnosis brings up a lot of questions and a lot of emotions. The good news is that with the right team in your corner, most skin cancers are very manageable and very treatable. Dr. Bradley and the team at Legacy Dermatology are here to walk you through every step from that first conversation about your biopsy results all the way through your recovery and beyond.

Call (847) 603-4146 or schedule your appointment online today.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, and should not be considered, medical advice. All information, content, and material available on this blog are for general informational purposes only. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The author and the blog disclaim any liability for the decisions you make based on the information provided. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.