Excision of Skin Lesions

Excision of a skin lesion is the removal of a section of skin by making small incisions in the skin. Through this process, the lesion is completely removed. This procedure is often done to treat or prevent cancer or infection. It may also be done to improve cosmetic appearance.

Various excision or surgical techniques may be used depending on your condition, the location of the lesion, and your overall health.

Tell your health care provider about:

• Any allergies you have.

• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.

• Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.

• Any bleeding problems you have.

• Any surgeries you have had.

• Any medical conditions you have.

• Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

What happens before the procedure?

What happens during the procedure?

• You will be given a medicine to numb the area (local anesthetic).

• Your health care provider will remove the lesions using one of the following excision techniques.

  • Complete surgical excision. This procedure may be done to treat a cancerous growth or a noncancerous cyst or lesion.

    • A small scalpel or scissors will be used to gently cut around and under the lesion until it is completely removed.

    • If bleeding occurs, it will be stopped with a device that delivers heat (electrocautery).

    • The edges of the wound may be stitched (sutured) together.

    • A bandage (dressing) will be applied.

    • Samples will be sent to a lab for testing.

  • Excision of a cyst.

    • An incision will be made on the cyst.

    • The entire cyst will be removed through the incision.

    • The incision may be closed with sutures.

  • Shave excision. This may be done to remove a mole or other small growths.

    • A small blade or scalpel will be used to shave off the lesion.

    • The wound is usually left to heal on its own without sutures.

    • The sample may be sent to a lab for testing.

  • Punch excision. This may be done to completely remove a mole or other small growths.

    • A small tool that is like a cookie cutter or a hole punch is used to cut a circle shape out of the skin.

    • The outer edges of the skin will be sutured together.

    • The sample may be sent to a lab for testing.

  • Mohs micrographic surgery. This is usually done to treat skin cancer. This type of excision is mostly used on the face and ears. This procedure is minimally invasive, and it ensures the best cosmetic outcome.

    • A scalpel or a loop instrument will be used to remove layers of the lesion until all the abnormal or cancerous tissue has been removed.

    • The wound may be sutured, depending on its size.

    • The tissue will be checked under a microscope right away.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals. At the end of any of these procedures, antibiotic ointment will be applied as needed.

What happens after the procedure?

• Talk with your health care provider to discuss any test results, treatment options, and if necessary, the need for more tests.

• Keep all follow-up visits. This is important.

Summary

• Excision of a skin lesion is the removal of a section of skin by making small incisions in the skin. This procedure is often done to treat or prevent skin cancer, remove benign growths, or it may be done to improve cosmetic appearance.

• Various excision or surgical techniques may be used depending on your condition, the location of the lesion, and your overall health.

• After the procedure, talk with your health care provider to discuss any test results, treatment options, and if necessary, the need for more tests.

• Keep all follow-up visits. This is important.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.