While excision is most commonly used to treat both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, it may also be performed if a patient wishes to have a non-cancerous mole removed or any other benign growth. In the latter instance, it is sometimes considered a ‘cosmetic,’ or ‘elective’ treatment, since there is no clinical need to remove the mole, and choosing to do so is typically about the patient’s aesthetic concerns.
What are the Benefits of Excision?
A blood test allows the dermatologist to get further diagnostic information with which to make a diagnosis of a skin condition and determine a course of treatment.
When excision is for the treatment of skin cancers, it removes the tumour, so that the skin cancer is not able to spread to adjacent healthy tissues.
The removed skin is then sent to a specialist laboratory for analysis (called histopathology), to check:
- The diagnosis is correct; and
- The cancer has been completely removed.
Who is Excision Suitable For?
Excision is suitable for:
- Patients who have been diagnosed with skin cancers
- Patients whose moles or growths are causing symptoms such as itching or pain;
- Removal of all but the most minor growths, which may be removed through a shave excision.
Excision
What are the Risks and Complications of Excision?
Depending on the location of the excision, and/or the patient’s mobility, it might be more difficult to keep a healing wound clean and dry – this may elevate the risk of complications. Your dermatologist can advise if this is likely to be the case with your excision.
Some lifestyle factors, such as smoking, can affect wound healing, and can even cause irregular scarring or more serious complications, so while it is best for your health not to smoke at all, it is essential that you heed the advice of your dermatologist in the weeks prior to, and after excision surgery.
As with all surgery, there is a small risk of complications, such as nerve damage or an allergic reaction to the anaesthetic or sutures. These risks will be explained by the dermatologist, who is the best trained and qualified person to avoid these events.
Following the surgery, it is possible that you may experience complications such as bleeding, infection, swelling, or reopening of the incision.
It is important to contact the clinic if you are experiencing any of these complications or unexpected pain or discomfort, whether they present immediately in the days following the operation, or weeks on from the excision.
In the rare event that you need care urgently and cannot contact the clinic, you should go to the hospital. If necessary, dial 999.
What is the Recovery Time and Outcome for Excision?
Most excisions take between 10-14 days to heal, but depending on the individual, complete healing can take up to four weeks. Most people heal quite quickly if they are in generally good health and haven’t had any complications.
The follow-up care instructions provided by the clinic will let you know how long you’ll need to recover before you resume normal activities, or when you can resume taking certain over-the-counter medications. If there are any special considerations, your dermatologist will advise you, and if you have any questions during your recovery, you can email our team, who will endeavour to reply as quickly as possible.
Most people do not need a further appointment with a dermatologist following the surgery but may need to come into the clinic to have stitches removed. However, if you have confirmed skin cancer, you may need a further appointment with a dermatologist, and regular follow up appointments may be advised.
Related Specialists at Derma
Dr Charles Archer
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Charles Archer is a registered specialist with the GMC and his NHS Consultant post is split between The Royal Berkshire Hospitals and Oxford University Hospitals.
Dr Sanju Arianayagam
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Sanju Arianayagam is a Consultant Dermatologist and gained her dermatology experience at Cambridge University Hospitals, Oxford University Hospitals and the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
Dr Rima Clayton
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Rima Clayton is a UK trained Consultant Dermatologist who practises in Reading and Oxford. She is fully trained in both paediatric and adult dermatology.
Dr Sabrina Khan
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Khan consults on all general dermatology conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.
Dr Inge Kreuser-Genis
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Kreuser-Genis is a UK trained Consultant Dermatologist who practices in Reading and Oxford. She is fully trained in both paediatric and adult dermatology.
Dr Rakesh Patalay
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Rakesh Patalay is a Consultant Dermatologist and Dermatological Surgeon based at the national centre for skin disease at St Johns Institute of Dermatology, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, London.
Dr Rachel Fisher
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Fisher consults on all general dermatology conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.
Dr John Reed
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr John Reed has been a UK trained consultant dermatologist and senior lecturer in Oxford since 2007
Mr Andy Pay
Consultant Plastic Surgeon and Skin Cancer Surgeon
Andy is very experienced in the management of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, but also in the management of squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas and other skin and soft tissue tumours.