MELANOMA REMOVAL

General Information

DEFINITION--Removal of any lesion on the skin that might be malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Skin.

REASONS FOR SURGERY--Treatment of malignant melanoma.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Obesity; smoking; poor nutrition.
• Recent or chronic illness.
• Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
• Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--General surgeon, dermatologist or plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital or outpatient surgical facility.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies.
• During surgery: Microscopic examination of skin margins to determine how much skin to remove.
• After surgery: Laboratory examination of removed tissue.

ANESTHESIA--Local anesthesia by injection.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• Surgery is directed primarily toward cure and secondarily toward preservation of normal appearance.
• The tumor is removed along with a surrounding portion of normal, healthy skin to ensure complete removal of all cancer cells.
• Skin grafts (see in Surgery section) are frequently needed to close large skin defects.
• The skin is closed with fine suture material or clips, which usually can be removed about 10 days after surgery.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Surgical-wound infection.
• Residual cancer due to not removing enough diseased skin.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--1 to 2 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing of the surgical wounds. Examination of removed skin and tissue may reveal that additional treatment will be necessary. Further treatment such as radiation, additional surgery or anticancer drugs depends on each patient's case. Allow about 2 weeks for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

† Apply non--prescription antibiotic ointment to wounds before applying bandages.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen to relieve minor pain.

† To help recovery and aid your well--

being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.

• Avoid vigorous exercise for 2 weeks after surgery. > Resume driving 3 days after returning home.

DIET---No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.