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Skin Lesion Removal
We all want to put our best face forward. Skin growths, however, can be a frustrating situation. If you have a skin growth and are looking into skin lesion removal, you have certainly come to the right place. There are some important items you should know prior to skin lesion removal, and Dr. Mausner will provide honest answers.
Dr. Mausner is often asked to examine a growth on or under the skin noticed either recently, or has been present for weeks or months. He will ask you about the history of the skin growth (including how long it has been present), if there is any family history of similar growths, or if you have had any prior skin cancers removed. Dr Mausner will also observe it's characteristics: raised vs. flat, color, shape, size, location and presence of symptoms.
What you should look for?
Skin lesions can show several danger signs:
- Asymmetrical shape
- Irregular borders
- Change in color — either lighter or darker than the surrounding skin
- Change in size — either getting larger or becoming raised
- Appearance of symptoms — bleeding, ulceration, crusting, itchiness, tenderness or pain
Types of Skin Lesions
BENIGN
age spot
'beauty mark'
cyst
lipoma
skin tag
abscess
red spot or hemangioma |
MALIGNANT
basal cell carcinoma
squamous cell carcinoma
melanoma |
Why skin lesion removal?
A common reason why a skin lesion is removed is to have it analyzed by a pathologist to determine if it is a skin cancer. Some skin cancers, left untreated, may spread to the surrounding skin and to other parts of the body (metastasize). Other reasons for skin lesion removal (excision) include unsightly appearance, to remove an inflamed growth or repeated infection.
How will the skin lesion be removed?
Depending on all the characteristics above, your plastic surgeon will determine the appropriate method of skin lesion removal for you. If the growth is assessed to be benign ('not cancerous'), Dr. Mausner may offer laser treatment, shaving or bleaching. When the lesion is larger or deeper, excision ('cutting out') will be the treatment of choice. Most of the time skin lesion removal can be done with you awake and the skin numbed with local anesthesia.
Will I have a scar?
The body's normal response to a cut is to heal by making a scar. However to minimize the appearance of the scar, Dr. Mausner will place the incision in a natural line or crease of the face or body. Due to an abnormal response to skin healing, some people may form more prominent scars than usual (keloid or hypertrophic scarring). If you have experienced this type of skin healing, be sure to let Dr. Mausner know.
What is involved in excision / skin lesion removal?
Dr. Mausner will explain the proposed procedure to you as well as any expected complications or risks and alternatives to treatment. It is important to inform him of any medication you are taking which could cause increased bruising or bleeding, or if you have any allergies or medical conditions. Skin lesion removal is usually performed under local anesthesia at the out-patient surgical facility. Dr. Mausner will cut out the lesion and repair the area with fine sutures. A small bandage is applied and you will be given full post-procedure instructions. Often you can return to your daily activities immediately afterwards, but are restricted from strenuous activities for a few days.
Dr. Mausner will send the removed lesion to the pathology laboratory so that a "biopsy" can be performed, examining the skin lesion removal under a microscope. This analysis will determine the nature of the skin growth, whether it is benign or malignant and whether it all has been removed. At your follow up appointment, Dr. Mausner will discuss the results and findings.
Considering skin lesion removal? Call Dr. Mausner for a complimentary consultation today at 301-564-4466.
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