SKIN LESION REMOVAL

General Information

DEFINITION-Removal of any benign or cancerous lesion on the skin.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED-Abnormal growth on the skin. The most common are warts, moles, skin cancers, molluscum contagiosum or senile keratoses.

REASONS FOR SURGERY

• Diagnosis of the abnormal growth.
• Removal of any abnormality suspected to be cancerous.
• Concern about appearance.
• Irritation of the lesion due to clothing.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH-None expected.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES-Family doctor, dermatologist, general surgeon or plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

WHERE PERFORMED-Hospital, emergency room, doctor's office or outpatient surgical facility.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies.
• After surgery: Laboratory examination of removed tissue.

ANESTHESIA-Local anesthesia by injection; general anesthesia sometimes for large excisions, skin grafts or for procedures on young children.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION-Techniques to remove abnormal growths from the skin include:

• Scraping the abnormality away (curettement).
• Cutting, removing and sewing.
• Cutting with scissors, especially if the lesion is on a stalk.
• Removing a plug of skin for diagnosis.
• Freezing warts and benign superficial keratoses (cryotherapy).
• Using heat (electrosurgery).
• Incising the skin with a cold scalpel, removing the lesion and sewing the skin edges together. The technique chosen depends on the nature of the lesion and the condition of the patient. If sutures or clips are used to close the wound, they usually can be removed about 1 week after surgery.
• Skin grafting is sometimes required.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.
• Recurrent skin cancer.
• Keloid formation (see in Illness section).

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY-None.

PROBABLE OUTCOME-Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 2 weeks for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

† Apply a non--prescription antibiotic ointment to the wound before applying bandages.

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

ACTIVITY

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

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

Any of the following occurs:

• Nausea or vomiting.
• Increased pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding in the surgical area.
• Signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.