Why is this procedure done?
Melanoma is skin cancer. It is caused by abnormal cell growth of the melanocytes in the skin. A melanocyte is a part of the skin. These cells make melanin, which gives color to your skin and hair. Getting too much ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun is often the cause of melanoma. You can also get it from tanning lamps or tanning beds. Melanoma removal is a procedure done to treat this illness. It may help to keep the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body. ‚
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What will the results be?
- The skin growth will be removed.
- Spread of cancer may be stopped.
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor if you have any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- Your doctor may do an exam and order lab tests, x-rays, CT scan, or a skin and lymph node biopsy.
- Your doctor will gently draw on the skin around the area to be removed to help during surgery.
- Your doctor will tell you about skin grafts. These are layers of skin taken from another part of the body and placed over the surgical site.
- Take a bath before the procedure. This will help lower the amount of germs on your skin.
What happens during the procedure?
There are a few ways to remove the skin cancer. Your doctor will decide the best way to take off your lesion. ‚
- The skin over the area to be removed will be cleaned. The doctor will numb the area. You may be given a drug to keep you relaxed and pain free during the procedure.
- The doctor uses a scalpel to remove the skin cancer. Your doctor will also remove some of the skin around the area. This will help to make sure the cancer has not spread.
- The doctor will use a tool to control bleeding at the surgical site.
- A skin graft may be used to cover the area where the melanoma was removed.
- The doctor may close the wound with stitches and cover it with a clean bandage.
What happens after the procedure?
- The doctor may send a sample of the lesion for tests. Ask your doctor when you will have results.
- You may go home after the procedure.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Your doctor may give you drugs for pain and infection. Take your drugs as told by your doctor.
- Talk to your doctor about the area where the lesion was removed.
- Ask your doctor:
- How to care for your site
- When you need to change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- Be sure to wash your hands before and after touching your wound or dressing.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may want to go over the result of your tests. Together you can make a plan for more care.
- If you have stitches or staples, you will need to have them taken out. Your doctor will often want to do this in 1 to 2 weeks.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
- Avoid going outdoors between 10 AM and 4 PM.
- When you are going outdoors, apply a broad spectrum sunscreen. It should have a high sun protection factor (SPF). Ask your doctor what sunscreen is best for your skin type.
- Be sure to apply sunscreen on your skin every 1 to 2 hours if you are outside. Apply more often if you are swimming or sweating.
- Apply sunscreen even during winter and cloudy days.
- Skin burns faster in higher places like the mountains.
- Wear a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing such as long sleeved shirts, skirts, and pants when outside.
- Check your skin often for unusual growths or lesions.
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Skin graft rejection
- Spread of cancer to other organs
- Cancer returns
Where can I learn more?
American Cancer Society ‚
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/skincancer-melanoma/detailedguide/melanoma-skin-cancer-treating-by-stage ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/684/viewAbstract ‚
Skin Cancer Foundation ‚
http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/melanoma-treatments ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚