removal of skin tumors

skinRemoval of Skin Tumors – Synonyms & Principle

synonyms: Excision of skin tumors, cutting out of skin tumors, removal of skin tumors

principle: Excision of a skin lesion and subsequent closure of the wound as optimally as possible, with or without flap surgery, almost always with additional histological examination

Through

is sometimes combined with…

• tightening operations if the skin change is in a region suitable for tightening

efficiency

In the case of smaller skin tumors, the entire lesion can be removed at once.

If the skin change is larger, the skin tumor can be removed in two or more steps. Or a sample can be taken by removing part of it and the change can at least be reduced in size.

duration of surgery

Depending on the size and quantity of skin tumors, a few minutes up to correspondingly longer

repetition of the treatment

Normally, a skin tumor that is not too large can be removed in one go.

Each sample is sent in. If the findings make re-cutting necessary, a second (or third, ...) procedure may of course be useful or necessary.

Skin tumors can of course recur in the same place or just next to it, which can also make further surgery necessary

Application in which body region

entire body

alternatives

Alternatives often have the problem that sufficient sample cannot be taken.

These include:

• Laser – The laser works with heat and can therefore create scars just like a cut or removal with a cold scalpel or similar – but if you are unlucky, the scar region will be larger because, of course, the entire area of the skin change is treated. A major disadvantage is that the pathologist cannot make an exact assessment of the change!
• superficial removal mechanically – at least in some cases, a meaningful examination of the skin sample can be carried out
• peeling – for some pigment changes

decision-making aids

Essentially, these are fundamental decisionsthat involve the surgical removal of a skin tumor.

Should I have a skin tumor removal do it at all? – Sometimes it is the better decision not to do something.

If the changes are clearly benign, they can be checked at regular intervals.

However, if there is any doubt, a skin tumor should always be removed rather than allowed to grow.

region

The decision for or against removal of a skin tumor can also depend very much on the region - the less noticeable the scar is after removal, the more likely it is that the decision will be made. An experienced plastic surgeon can help you make the decision.

Size

Skin tumors that grow larger will be removed more quickly – otherwise the operation will become more and more complex.

Cutting direction and position?

Incision = scar. This applies to all operations. It is important to position the scars in the most inconspicuous places possible and, above all, to carefully analyze the direction with the least tension in order to allow the scar to heal as inconspicuously and narrowly as possible.

sun protection

In the first few weeks after the skin tumor removal, sun protection should be ensured (shade is the best sun protection). If this is not possible in the summer, it is certainly better to carry out the operation in the cooler season in the case of clearly benign skin tumors

What should you have heard/read before having a skin tumor removed?

The direction of the cut, suture material, suture technique, surgeon's experience, and much more determine the quality and inconspicuousness of the scar.

Nevertheless, a cut always means a scar. In most cases, this is less noticeable than the skin tumor itself - but this cannot always be guaranteed.

Prejudices

Invisible scars are always possible with good suturing technique…

facts

The quality of the scar always depends on several factors. These include the cutting technique, suture material, suture technique, and much more.

However, a large part is played by the individual development of the scar (predisposition), taking it easy (not sweating, not pulling on the scar in the first few weeks), scar care and massage, and much more.

Scars can be very inconspicuous. A scar is (almost) never invisible. And the expected quality of the scar can only be predicted to a certain extent.

When it comes to scars, everything can be done right – and the scar can still look terrible.

Of course, there are always ways to improve a bad scar.

most common possible side effects/complications

• cut=scar
• infection, impaired wound healing
• Injury or “insult” of nerves (sometimes even swelling is enough) – numbness, paralysis
• swelling
• bruises and bleeding

details Information on possible complications can be found in the information documents

In summary, good preparation (information, explanation, preliminary examinations, analysis, etc.) and the surgeon’s experience are the most important factors for the most optimal surgical removal of skin tumors

You should avoid…

• traction on the wound in the first weeks after surgery
• Exertion, heavy sweating, high temperatures after surgery

anesthesia

Possible anesthesiaforms:

• Local anesthesia – usually possible
• twilight sleep
• gentle general anesthesia

the operation

Deadlines must be met in Austria (surgical information and anesthesia information) – start planning in good time!

no blood-thinning medication until 10 days before surgery.

THINKING POSITIVELY – helps. It not only prolongs life, but is also always a good first step towards any treatment or operation.

the operation

Rest for 3 weeks in the sense of:

• do not lift more than 5-6kg
• nothing jerky
• don't work headfirst
• not sweating

Steristrips are useful in the first few days (sometimes weeks) to relieve the wound

Sun protection in the first year, but especially in the first weeks after the procedure

our preferred technique/recommendation

detailed analysis with consideration of all the advantages and disadvantages of removing the skin tumor

Cost

Costs vary greatly from case to case

A detailed consultation always pays off (and is also included in the cost of the procedure)

The final total price will be determined during the second consultation (=consent) depending on the combinations, desired clinic and room category

reasonable budget

A final cost estimate is only possible and meaningful after a detailed on-site inspection and clarification of individual wishes.

downtime

In general, 2-3 weeks of rest be taken into account – this means specifically:

• lifting no more than 5-6 kg
• no jerky movements
• do not perform any activities overhead

Important to know…

• honest and well-founded advice helps in deciding for or against the removal of a skin tumor