Melanoma Excision: Before Your Teen's Surgery
What is excision of a melanoma?
Excision of a melanoma is a type of surgery to remove, or excise, a
melanoma from your teen's skin. Melanoma is a form of skin cancer in
which abnormal skin cells grow out of control. Sometimes the surgery
is simple. But some melanomas need more extensive surgery.
The doctor first gives your teen medicine to numb the area. Then the
doctor cuts out the melanoma along with an area of healthy skin
around it. How much skin is needed depends on how deep in the skin
the melanoma is. Small excisions are usually closed with stitches.
Some excisions, such as on the hands or face, may be closed with a
skin flap using nearby skin.
A larger excision may need a skin graft to close the wound. For a
skin graft, a section of healthy skin is taken from another part of
the body. Then the healthy skin is used to replace the skin that was
removed.
The surgery usually takes up to an hour. Your teen will probably go
home soon afterward. There may be a scar. The scar should fade with
time.
If your teen has a skin graft or more extensive surgery, the surgery
may take longer. Your teen may be able to go home the same day. But
your teen may need to stay in the hospital overnight or longer.
Your teen may need other tests and treatments. It depends on how
large or deep the melanoma is.
How do you prepare for surgery?
Surgery can be stressful for your teen and you. This information
will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you
safely prepare for your teen's surgery.
Preparing for surgery
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Tell your doctors ALL the medicines, vitamins,
supplements, and herbal remedies your teen takes. Some of
these can increase the risk of bleeding or interact with
anesthesia. Your doctor will tell you which medicines your
teen should take or stop before surgery.
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What happens on the day of surgery?
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Follow the doctor's instructions about when your teen should bathe
or shower before the surgery. Your teen should not apply lotion or
deodorant.
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Make sure your teen takes off all jewelry and piercings.
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Your teen should not shave the surgical site before the surgery.
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Do not let your teen wear contact lenses. Bring your teen's
glasses or contact lens case.
When should you call your doctor?
Current as of: November 16, 2023
Content Version: 14.0
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