Skin Lesion Removal Overview

This is the removal of an abnormal growth on the skin, called a lesion, for medical or cosmetic reasons. Skin lesions can include warts , moles , cancers, and skin tags.

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Prior to Procedure

Generally, no special preparation is required.

Anesthesia

Local anesthesia will be used. It will make the area numb.

Description of the Procedure

The area will be cleaned. The skin surrounding the lesion will be numbed by anesthesia. Techniques for skin lesion removal vary depending on the reason for removal and lesion location. Common techniques include:

• Removal with scalpel—The lesion is cut away with a surgical knife.
• Laser surgery—A high-energy beam destroys skin tissue.
• Electrosurgery—This is the use of an electrical current to selectively destroy skin tissue.
• Cryosurgery—A cold liquid or instrument is used to freeze and remove the lesion.
• Curettage—This is the scraping of the skin with a circular cutting loop instrument.
• Mohs' micrographic surgery—This is used to examine suspected cancerous lesions. Small pieces of tissue are successively removed and then viewed microscopically for signs of cancer . The goal is to get all the cancer tissue and leave as much healthy tissue as possible.

After the lesion is removed, stitches will be used to close the hole left in the skin. Clean stickers may also be used to help keep the skin closed. A bandage will be placed over the area.

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. You may have some pain at the surgery site after the procedure.

Post-procedure Care

Keep the area clean and dry. Keep it covered with a sterile bandage for 1-2 days. If stickers were placed, they will fall off on their own in about a week.

Be sure to check with your doctor about when you may shower after the procedure. Pat the wound dry after you have washed it with a mild soap. Do not submerge the wound in water until it is well-healed.

Take pain medicine if necessary.

Stitches will be left in the skin for 3-14 days, depending on where they are located.

Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions .

RESOURCES:

American Academy of Dermatology
http://www.aad.org/

American Osteopathic College of Dermatology
http://www.aocd.org/index.html

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

BC Cancer Agency
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/default.htm

Canadian Dermatology Association
http://www.dermatology.ca/

References:

American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: http://www.aad.org .