Melanoma surgery is a highly important procedure performed to treat melanoma, a type of skin cancer that is less common than other forms, but far more aggressive if left untreated.
Surgery is generally the main type of melanoma treatment. While other treatments, such as immunotherapy or targeted therapies, may be used in more advanced cases, surgical excision is almost always the first step once a diagnosis is confirmed.
Whether you are learning about melanoma surgery or have some personal concerns, reading up on the basics can be a helpful start. If you’re located near Brisbane and need a surgeon with experience in melanoma excision, you are welcome to contact our team to enquire with Dr Justin Perron.
How melanoma differs from other types of skin cancers
Skin cancer is broadly divided into three main groups, which include basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma.
BCCs are by far the most common and they tend not to spread beyond their site of origin. SCCs can be more aggressive, particularly when they develop on areas like the lips or ears.
Melanoma, however, is less common in Australia, but it is the leading cause of skin cancer-related deaths.
What makes melanoma distinct is its tendency to metastasise beyond the skin into deeper tissue and distant organs. That is why early detection and treatment is so important. Unlike BCCs, which can often be treated with a single, simple excision, melanomas usually require urgent surgical intervention and careful long-term monitoring.
How surgical excision can help prevent the progression of melanoma
Surgical excision involves removing the melanoma, along with a margin of surrounding healthy skin. It’s important to remove some of the margin, as it helps to ensure that no cancerous cells remain in the area. The exact size of the margin depends on how thick or advanced the melanoma is.
Once the melanoma has been removed, the tissue is sent for histological examination to check whether all of the affected cells have been cleared. If cancer cells are still present at the margins, another excision may be required.
In cases where the excision leaves behind a larger wound, additional techniques such as skin grafting or local flaps may be used to repair the area. Grafting can be more commonly needed if the melanoma was located on a site where the skin is tighter, such as the nose or ear.
Melanoma diagnosis before surgery
Before a melanoma is surgically removed, it needs to be correctly diagnosed first.
Diagnosis usually begins with a skin examination performed by a doctor. If a suspicious mole or lesion is found, a biopsy may be carried out under local anaesthetic, which involves taking a small sample of the tissue and sending it to a pathology lab for analysis.
If a melanoma is confirmed, the next step is usually surgery. During a consultation, patients can expect their doctor to explain the nature of the melanoma, the type of excision needed, and the possible reconstructive steps if a graft or flap is likely to be required.
How is melanoma surgery performed?
Melanoma surgery is typically performed as a day procedure. Smaller excisions under local anaesthetic can often be completed in a smaller facility, while larger excisions, or those in more complex areas, may require a hospital setting.
The surgeon begins by outlining the area of skin to be removed, which includes both the melanoma and the required margin of surrounding skin. The tissue is then carefully excised, and the wound is closed either with sutures or with additional reconstruction methods such as a flap or graft.
The duration of the procedure depends on the size and location of the melanoma. A simple excision of a small lesion may only take a short amount of time, while larger or more complex cases can take longer.
What recovery involves after melanoma surgery
The recovery period after melanoma surgery will depend on the extent of the excision and whether additional reconstructive steps were performed.
For smaller excisions, the wound may take between one and three weeks to heal, although the scar will take considerably longer to mature. Larger wounds, particularly those involving grafts or flaps, may require more time and closer monitoring.
During the initial healing period, patients are usually advised to keep the wound clean, avoid removing dressings too early, and limit activities that might place strain on the affected area. For example, if the surgery was performed on the leg, avoiding strenuous exercise will help prevent irritation or reopening of the wound.
Stitches may need to be removed at a follow-up appointment, unless absorbable sutures were used. At this stage, the pathology results from the excised tissue are also discussed, which confirm whether the margins are clear.
As with any surgical procedure, melanoma excision carries some risks. These may include bleeding, infection, bruising, or delayed healing. Scarring is also expected, although the size and appearance will depend on the lesion’s location and the reconstructive method used.
The importance of long-term monitoring after surgery
Melanoma is different from many other skin cancers in that it requires long-term vigilance.
Even after a melanoma has been excised, there is always a risk of recurrence, particularly in cases where the melanoma was thick or had already spread. Doctors usually recommend regular follow-up appointments, which may include skin checks and, in some cases, imaging tests or blood work, depending on the stage of the disease.
Patients are also encouraged to keep an eye on their own skin at home. Noticing changes in moles, new spots, or unusual marks should always prompt a medical review. Preventive measures such as sunscreen use, protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds are important – even after surgery.
Plastic and Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgeon Dr Justin Perron
Located in Brisbane, Dr Justin Perron is a Canadian-born, Australian-trained Plastic and Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgeon.
Dr Perron has experience performing surgical excisions of melanoma, as well as performing other types of surgical procedures that require a high skill level and attention to detail.
If you would like to learn more about Dr Justin Perron’s experience and qualifications, you are welcome to contact our team.
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