Skin Tumor Removal
Operation Description
There are various methods for removing skin tumors, with surgical methods being the most common, involving removal through surgery or using radiofrequency energy or lasers. The method of removal depends on the type of change, its size, and location.
Benign or non-cancerous skin tumors do not pose a health risk, but sometimes it is advisable to remove them for aesthetic or functional reasons. Common benign skin changes include nevi, or moles, which can vary in color, shape, and size. While some are flat and cause no trouble, others may protrude, leading to inconvenient locations, potential injury, bleeding, or aesthetic concerns due to their size.
Crucial in mole evaluation is the possibility of malignancy. Regularly monitoring moles for changes in color, growth, peeling, itching, or bleeding is crucial. Mole removal is performed surgically, and the excised tissue is sent for histopathological analysis to determine whether malignancy is present.
Warts (Papillomas)
Papillomas are another common type of benign skin changes. They are of viral origin and are usually found on the neck, abdomen, groin, armpits, and under the breasts. Typically, they are hanging, skin-colored, and elastic. Removal is done using radiofrequency or surgical methods.
Lipomas
Lipomas are benign tumors consisting of fatty tissue. They appear beneath the skin in the neck, shoulders, back, and abdominal wall. While generally small, they can grow. Lipomas are soft and elastic, becoming noticeable when pressed on the surrounding skin. Removal is usually performed surgically, and complete removal is essential to prevent recurrence.
Keratoses
Keratoses represent a group of skin changes often caused by the overproduction of keratin, the protein constituting the skin, hair, and nails. Initially yellowish, they darken over time, reaching brown or even black. They occur on the face, neck, décolleté, hands, and back. Removal of keratoses is carried out using radiofrequency.
Dermatofibroma
Dermatofibroma is a benign skin nodule that usually occurs in adults, especially on the legs or other body parts. It can be hard and painless, with colors ranging from reddish to yellowish-brown. Dermatofibromas are removed through surgical excision.
Sebaceous Cyst (Atheroma)
Atheroma is another common benign skin change caused by the blockage of sebaceous glands. They can occur on the face, neck, back, head, and earlobes. Removal is performed surgically, and complete removal is crucial to prevent recurrence.
Malignant Tumors
Regarding malignant skin tumors, the most common is basal cell carcinoma. It usually occurs in older individuals, can take various forms, be flat or raised, reddish, and scaly. The risk of metastasis is rare, but it can endanger surrounding structures. It mostly appears on sun-exposed areas such as the face and hands.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This type of malignancy can occur anywhere on the body, presenting in two forms. The first resembles a small wound covered with a crust, round or irregular in shape, while the second form is more protruding and gradually penetrates deeper into the skin. Squamous cell carcinoma can grow, affect surrounding structures, cause metastasis, and recur.
Malignant Melanoma
Malignant melanoma is a rare but highly malignant skin tumor. It usually arises from existing moles and can occur anywhere on the body. Suspicion arises if a mole on the skin changes color, frequently bleeds or itches, is asymmetrical, irregularly bordered, and has a diameter exceeding 6mm. Risk factors include exposure to UV radiation, hormones, chemical factors, and genetics. Surgical removal is crucial to prevent recurrence, and if located on the face, defects left after surgery are addressed with autotransplants.
Regular skin examinations are vital. If you notice any of the described structures causing any issues, schedule consultations at +38169 3699801. Our team comprises experts in aesthetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgery, as well as dermatology, who will diagnose the type of change and provide advice on further therapy.
Candidates
Candidates for skin tumor removal include anyone with a skin change that needs to be removed. It is crucial to have any unusual or bothersome skin changes examined promptly. Candidates may have:
- Moles causing aesthetic and functional issues or posing a risk of malignancy.
- Papillomas, lipomas, keratoses, dermatofibromas, and atheromas.
- Malignant tumors - basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.
Preparation
Preparation for skin tumor removal depends on the method used. For less serious procedures involving lasers or minimally invasive surgery using local anesthesia, no special preparation is required.
For more serious surgeries performed under general anesthesia, an internist examination is necessary. It is recommended to stop taking medications and supplements affecting blood clotting, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and others, ten days before surgery. Additionally, smokers are advised to quit at least a month before the intervention for optimal surgery and recovery.
Operation time
The exact course of the operation depends on the change being removed. If the removal is done using radiofrequency or laser energy, the treated area is cleaned, local anesthesia is administered if necessary, and the removal process begins.
When surgical removal is necessary, an incision is usually made along the change, completely removing it. The incision is then stitched if possible; otherwise, local flaps or autotransplants from other parts of the body are used to close the wound. If the change needs to be sent for histopathological analysis, it is entirely removed by surgical excision.
Recovery
Recovery after skin tumor removal depends on the treated change. For less severe procedures, usually applicable to all benign skin tumors, patients can return home immediately after the intervention. In most cases, patients can resume their daily activities immediately after the procedure, especially after laser or radiofrequency procedures. However, it is recommended to avoid intense physical activity, pools, saunas, and excessive sun exposure to prevent irritation or infection.
After more significant surgical procedures for malignant skin tumor removal, patients sometimes stay overnight. This primarily applies to the removal of malignant skin tumors. Regarding recovery, the advice is the same concerning physical activity, pools, saunas, and sun exposure. Avoiding the use of aggressive cosmetics is also recommended. Stitches removal is usually performed seven days after the intervention.
Safety precautions
Complications after skin tumor removal depend on the applied technique. After using laser and radiofrequency energy, mild redness and sensitivity of the treated area may occur.
When surgical removal of skin tumors involving an incision is performed, minor bruising, swelling, sensitivity, and redness may occur. More severe complications include infections, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. These can be entirely avoided by carefully following preoperative and postoperative physician advice.
Price
The prices for skin tumor removal at Colić Hospital range from 250 to 750 euros. The exact price depends on the type of tumor being removed, the complexity of the intervention, and the applied method.
Refer to the exact price list for all services provided by Colić Hospital.