Basic cutaneous surgery.

Basic surgical procedures are an integral part of the practice of dermatology. Instruction in basic cutaneous surgery is required of dermatology residency programs, and surgical procedures occupy a significant portion of the practicing dermatologist's time. This paper reviews the basic surgical techniques of fusiform excision, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, and curettage and briefly mentions the use of chemical destruction as it relates to these modalities. These techniques provide the basis for treatment of a multitude of benign and malignant lesions. Familiarity with the use, indications, and contraindications of each technique allows the appropriate choice of treatment for a given lesion, to ensure optimal outcome and minimize the chance of complications.