Skin Lesion Removal: Before Your Child's Procedure

Skin lesion removal is a procedure or surgery to remove growths on your child's skin. A skin lesion may be removed because it is too big, bothersome, or uncomfortable. Or a lesion may be removed because it could be cancerous or precancerous.

Often the doctor can remove simple skin lesions during a routine visit. In some cases, the doctor may remove the lesion in an operating room. This depends on the size and type of lesion. The doctor can remove a skin lesion in many ways. These include:

• Biopsy. The doctor cuts out or shaves a small part of the lesion. A doctor looks at the sample to see if there are any cancer cells
• Excision. The doctor cuts out the entire lesion and, often, some of the area around it.
• Cryosurgery. The doctor uses a very cold liquid or special tool to freeze and destroy skin cells.
• Curettage. The doctor uses a special tool to scrape away parts of the lesion.
• Electrocautery. The doctor uses a device that gives off an electrical current to destroy, burn, or cut out skin cells.
• Laser surgery. The doctor uses a device that gives off laser light to destroy skin lesions.
• Mohs surgery. The doctor removes tissue a little bit at a time while checking to make sure that any cancer is gone.

After it is removed, the tissue may be checked under a microscope to see what the lesion is.

Depending on your child's age and the procedure they need, your child may be awake in the doctor's office or may need to be asleep in the operating room. The doctor may give your child medicine to numb the area. The doctor may use stitches to close the wound. Your child will have a scar that fades with time.

Most of these procedures take about 5 to 20 minutes. Sometimes the more complicated procedures, such as Mohs surgery, can take a few hours. Most children can go back to their normal routine on the same day of the procedure.

Procedures can be stressful for both your child and you. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your child's procedure.

• Talk to your child about the procedure. Tell your child that the procedure will remove the skin growth. Hospitals know how to take care of children. The staff will do all they can to make it easier for your child.
• Understand exactly what procedure is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
• Tell the doctors ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies your child takes. Some of these can increase the risk of bleeding or interact with anesthesia. Your doctor will tell you which medicines your child should take or stop before the procedure.
• Plan for your child's recovery time. Your child may need more of your time right after the surgery, both for care and for comfort.

• Have your child take a bath or shower before you come in. Do not apply lotion or deodorant.
• Be sure your child has something that reminds them of home. A special stuffed animal, toy, or blanket may be comforting. For an older child, it might be a book or music.

• A parent or legal guardian must accompany your child.
• Your child will be kept comfortable and safe by the anesthesia provider. Your child may get medicine to bring on a light sleep or to relax them. The area being worked on will be numb.
• The procedure will take about 5 to 20 minutes. More complex procedures may take a few hours.