Wide excision surgery is one of the most common treatments for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. This procedure is used as the first line of defense when skin cancer has been detected through a biopsy or to remove highly suspicious skin lesions or moles. At MJR Dermatology, our well-respected and highly experienced dermatologist, Dr. Matthew Reschly, provides melanoma and non-melanoma excision and repair surgery at our medical center in Lawrenceville, GA.
Melanoma Excision Surgery
If a biopsy reveals melanoma, it is vital to have the growth removed as soon as possible. In some cases, removal may be recommended in lieu of biopsy if the growth has signs of melanoma or other types of skin cancer. Wide excision surgery for melanoma removes the tumor and tissue surrounding the lesion. A common method of wide excision surgery is elliptical excision, which removes an oval or football-shaped portion of the skin. The depth of the margin around the tumor that is removed depends on the level of risk associated with the melanoma lesion.
By performing elliptical excision, more skin cells can be removed than a circular excision but leaving a less intrusive scar. The edges can be sutured together during the repair after the surgery, creating a thin-line scar. Not all melanoma growths can be removed by elliptical excision, but it is used when possible, for improved post-surgery skin repair.
Non-Melanoma Excision Surgery
Basal and squamous cell carcinomas (BCC and SCC) as well as Merkel cell carcinoma may also be removed with wide excision surgery. These types of excision surgeries require smaller margins than melanoma removal. Low risk non-melanoma lesions may be removed using other methods, but high-risk are better suited for excision surgery.
Once the melanoma or non-melanoma growth is removed through excision surgery, the removed skin will be sent to a pathologist to examine the outer margins for cancer cells. If cancer cells are found, another excision surgery, Mohs surgery or other treatments may be needed to remove all cancer cells from the area.
If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer and need excision surgery, contact our team at MJR Dermatology. We can schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Reschly to discuss your treatment options.