Skin Lesion Removal: Before Your Child's Procedure
What is skin lesion removal surgery?
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:
- Excision.
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The doctor cuts out the entire lesion and, often, some of the
area around it.
- Cryosurgery.
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The doctor uses a very cold liquid or special tool to freeze and
destroy skin cells.
- Curettage.
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The doctor uses a special tool to scrape away parts of the
lesion.
- Electrocautery.
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The doctor uses a device that gives off an electrical current to
destroy, burn, or cut out skin cells.
- Laser surgery.
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The doctor uses a device that gives off laser light to destroy
skin lesions.
- Mohs' micrographic surgery.
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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' micrographic surgery, can
take a few hours. Most children can go back to their normal routine
on the same day of the procedure.
How do you prepare for 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.
Preparing for the procedure
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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.
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What happens on the day of the procedure?
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Have your child take a bath or shower before you come in. Do not
apply lotion or deodorant.
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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.
At the hospital or surgery center
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A parent or legal guardian must accompany your child.
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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.
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The procedure will take about 5 to 20 minutes. More complex
procedures may take a few hours.
When should you call your doctor?
Current as of: November 16, 2023
Content Version: 14.0
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