He should see the onocologist.  A dermatiologist first removes the questionable area of skin and performs a biopsy.  If the cells are cancerous, an onocologist will then remove a section of skin three times the length and width of the original site to prevent the cancer from spreading.  If the cancer has already spread, he will need additional treatment.  People die from skin cancer, but they often recover.  I wouldn't worry just yet.     

I am assuming you mean a mole removal?? Most of these are not cancerous but need to be removed.  I had one removed when i was like 10 and it was benign (non-cancerous).  Has he actually been diagnosed with skin cancer or are they sending the growth to a lab awaiting analysis??  Just making sure im clear on this.  Prayers to you and your dad.

Clarice

He had it biopsied last week... it is cancerous.. melanoma or whatever that word is that means cancer.

EDIT: I think that tomorrow is the removal of the whole thing...

Well, as long as it hasn't spread, his removal tomorrow will take care of it for good.  Best of luck to you and your dad.

Melanoma is a very aggressive cancer.  The survival rate is very favorable if it is caught early.  Don't get too down just yet.  My uncle was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma (that basically means you are about to die) and the doc gave him 6 months to live.  The doc actually told him to go home and get his affairs in order because he WAS going to die, as if the doc was god. Well this was when my uncle was 19 and he is now 40.  Moral of the story, the doc doesn't know everything.  Make sure you and your family stay positive, in my experience attitude has a lot to do with the outcome.  If your dad has a very strong will to beat this he may very well do that, just don't let him give up the fight.  My thoughts are with you...I know what you are going through, let me know if you need any support getting through this cuz I will be there for you.

Everyone on my dad's side of the family has fair skin, and I have fair skin and red hair.  Both my grandma and my dad have had cancerous spots removed, but neither of them had any complications.  I'll probably end up with cancerous spots when I'm older too.  I wouldn't worry about it until you have to.

HI,

I just want to let you know that my oldest brother had a melanoma about a year ago. It was removed and has not come back. The thing that the drs worry about is if it gets into the blood stream. I am assuming they caught your dad's early. So all should be okay.  Your dad will just have to be careful for the rest of his life. He will have to wear hats outside and get as little sun exposure as possibe.  Also, make sure you get checked peridically also, especially if you  have any odd looking moles etc.  Will say a prayer for healing.  Julie

Best wishes for you and your Dad.

Just because the word cancer comes up does not mean it's worst case senario.  My Dad had a large bowl tumour removed (a little different I know) but has been cancer clear for 10 years now.  

A positive attitude for him and those around him will really help his recovery. 

Hope it all goes well.

The most common skin cancers are the BCC's and SCC's, and these, although locally invasive, rarely metastisise, or spread.  They can be removed surgically, or treated with radiotherapy, almost always very successfully.  Are you sure that it is not one of these types of skin cancer that your dad has been diagnosed with?  Please check, because if it is, you are worrying yourself for little reason.  Melanomas are much rarer, and require a more aggressive form of treatment.