Surgical Removal of the Skin Tumors
Surgical removal of the skin tumors is the process of completely removing the skin tumor with a scalpel or punch if the lesion is small, and stitching. After the doctor detects a new suspected nevus or an abnormal change in pre-existing skin tumor after an examination, or for only cosmetic reasons, he can decide its excision. This nevus or tumoral lesion, which is then removed from the skin, is sent to pathology for histopathological examination.
How are removed surgically?
The nevus and some surrounding tissue are anesthetized with a local anesthetic. The relevant lesion and some surrounding intact tissue are marked. After cleaning the area with antiseptic solution, it is completely removed with a scalpel or punch. It is stitched and covered with gauze.
Is surgical removal of a nevus or skin tumor painful?
Since the area to be operated on is anesthetized locally, the patient does not feel pain.
How long is the processing time?
Processing time is approximately 30 minutes.
Can nevus or skin tumors be removed with laser?
No, it is not correct to remove a nevus or tumor with laser. Nevus and skin tumors must be removed surgically. When the suspicious tissue is removed with devices such as laser or cautery, pathological examination cannot be done safely because the suspicious tissue is damaged by these devices. Since the patient cannot receive the correct diagnosis, his is considered untreated.
Does skin tumor spread when removed surgically?
This is a wrong idea spread among the public. Since the suspicious lesions is completely removed and then sent for biopsy, if it is malignant, the patient is diagnosed. Since the first step of the treatment is the complete surgical removal of the malignant lesion, this step is completed. Later, a secondary expansion surgery may be planned according to the pathology report.
Will there be any scars after nevus or tumor are surgically removed?
Yes, the patient will have scar. In the first year, there will be a line-shaped red area along the suture line, depending on the skin color. This situation is minimized with creams and sun protection given after the stitches are removed. As time passes, a scar in the form of a light line of very light skin color remains in this area. In addition to skin care and sun protection, genetic factors are also very important in wound healing. If the person is prone to "keloid" or "hypertrophic scar" formation, these possibilities should be discussed with the patient before removing a nevus due to cosmetic concerns. However, if there is a suspicion of malignancy in the skin lesion, the lesion should be surgically removed and sent for biopsy.