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Definition
Removal of an abnormal growth on the skin, called a lesion, for medical or cosmetic reasons. Skin lesions include warts , moles , and skin tags.
Melanoma Excision
2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
Parts of the Body Involved
Skin surface
Reasons for Procedure
- Lesion is precancerous or cancerous.
- Lesion has created a chronic skin irritation.
- Cosmetic preference
Risk Factors for Complications During the Procedure
- Immunosuppression, bleeding disorders, or circulatory problems (such as diabetes ), which can lead to healing problems
- Heart valve conditions, which increase the risk for inflammation of the heart's inner lining after surgery.
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
Follow instructions given by your doctor. Generally, no special preparation is required.
During Procedure
Anesthesia
Anesthesia
Local
Description of the Procedure
The area will be cleaned, and the skin surrounding the lesion will be numbed by a local anesthetic. Techniques for skin lesion removal vary depending on the reason for removal and lesion location. Common techniques include:
- Removal with scalpeluse of a surgical knife to cut away the lesion
- Laser surgeryuse of a high-energy beam to destroy skin tissue
- Electrosurgeryuse of an electrical current to selectively destroy skin tissue
- Cryosurgeryuse of a cold liquid or instrument to freeze and remove the lesion
- Curettagescraping of the skin with a circular cutting loop instrument
- Mohs' micrographic surgeryused to examine suspected cancerous lesions. Small disks of tissue are successively removed and then viewed microscopically for signs of cancer .
After Procedure
You may need to wait for a short period of time after the procedure. However, in most cases, patients can leave and resume normal activities.
How Long Will It Take?This depends on which procedure is used. Most are completed within 5-20 minutes. Will It Hurt?Anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure. Possible ComplicationsIn very rare cases, allergic reaction caused by the anesthesiaRidged or spread scar replaces the lesionBleeding below the skin (hematoma)Temporary or permanent nerve damageRecurrence of the lesion if it was a precancerous or cancerous growthInfection at the procedure site Average Hospital StayNone Postoperative CareKeep lesion area clean and dry. OutcomeThe skin surface should be healed within a few weeks. Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following OccursSigns of infection, including fever and chillsRedness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision site RESOURCES: American Academy of Dermatologyhttp://www.aad.org American Osteopathic College of Dermatologyhttp://www.aocd.org/index.html CANADIAN RESOURCES: BC Cancer Agencyhttp://www.bccancer.bc.ca/default.htm Canadian Dermatology Associationhttp://www.dermatology.ca/english/ References: American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: http://www.aad.org . Last reviewed October 2007 by Ross Zeltser, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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