Why is this procedure done?
Skin lesions are areas of the skin that are not normal. They may look like a lump or have different coloring. Some are moles or cysts. Warts and skin tags are also skin lesions. Most skin lesions do not cause problems. You may want them removed because of how they look. Some people have them taken off because they become irritated or rub against clothes. Some lesions are taken off because they may be a sign of cancer. ‚
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What will the results be?
Skin should grow back with normal surface. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will do an exam and take your history. Talk to the 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 about 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.
- Take a bath or shower before the procedure. This will help reduce the amount of germs on your skin.
What happens during the procedure?
There are a few ways to remove a skin lesion. Your doctor will decide which is the best way to take off your lesion. ‚
- The staff will clean the skin area with the lesion. The doctor will numb the area. You may be given a drug to keep you relaxed and pain free.
- The doctor may shave the lesion down to the level of your skin. This may be done with a laser.
- The doctor may burn the lesion off using a special electrical tool.
- The doctor may use a tool that will freeze the lesion off.
- The doctor may use a tool with a loop at the end to scrape the lesion.
- Other lesions, such as possible skin cancers, can be cut out. The wound will be closed with stitches.
What happens after the procedure?
- The wound will be covered with clean bandages.
- The doctor may send a sample of the lesion for tests to check for skin cancer. Ask your doctor when you will have the results.
- You may go home after the procedure.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Fight an infection
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Scarring
- Nerve damage
- Lesion may come back
Where can I learn more?
DermNet NZ ‚
http://dermnetnz.org/procedures/excision.html ‚
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. ‚