“The gold standard for treatment of melanoma is surgical treatment with wide margins,” says Dr. Nima Gharavi, Director of Dermatologic Surgery at Cedars-Sinai.
In some cases of early-stage melanoma that’s close to the skin’s surface, Mohs surgery may be offered. This is most common in areas such as the face, ears, and nose.
Read MoreWhile Mohs surgery isn’t as common with melanoma as it is with other skin cancers, it may be the best option for some patients. Talk to your doctor about whether Mohs surgery is right for you.
Is Skin Cancer Surgery Covered by Insurance?
Though some patients may worry their insurance company will rule skin cancer surgery a cosmetic procedure, most providers do cover the treatment.
"Most surgery is covered by most insurance," Dr. Jesse Lewin, System Chief of the Division of Dermatologic & Cosmetic Surgery at Mount Sinai, tells SurvivorNet. "…Even though the reconstruction is done in a cosmetically-sensitive way, it's not a cosmetic procedure.
"[Patients] are not billed for a cosmetic procedure after the skin cancer is removed. One of the main advantages is you can see one surgeon who is trained in removing the cancer, looking under the microscope, and doing the reconstruction. So, you're in one place … [and] awake for an outpatient procedure to cure your skin cancer."
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