What are Skin Cancers and Melanoma?
Skin cancers are the most common form of malignancy in humans and typically appear on areas of the body that are frequently exposed to sunlight.
The most common types are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma—the latter being the most aggressive form. While melanoma is less common, it carries a high mortality rate if not diagnosed and treated in time.
Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas tend to grow locally and cause tissue destruction, whereas melanoma has a higher likelihood of metastasizing. Early diagnosis through dermoscopy and biopsy is crucial for patient prognosis, and complete surgical excision of the lesion is the cornerstone of treatment.
Diagnostic Approach
Diagnosis begins with clinical evaluation and dermoscopic analysis of the lesion. Suspicious skin changes typically present with:
- Asymmetry and irregular borders
- Varied pigmentation
- Changes in size or texture
- Unexplained bleeding or itching
Confirmation is achieved through histological examination, either via targeted biopsy or full excision of the lesion with a margin of healthy tissue (when possible). For melanomas, further staging is required through blood tests, imaging, and sentinel lymph node mapping.
Surgical Excision
Surgical removal with clear margins is the primary treatment method for all types of skin cancer. The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the lesion’s size and location.
During surgery, the physician removes the lesion along with a margin of healthy surrounding tissue to ensure no cancerous cells remain. Excision margins vary based on the tumor type and stage:
- Basal cell carcinoma: 4–6 mm of healthy tissue
- Squamous cell carcinoma: 6–10 mm
- Melanoma: 1–2 cm, depending on Breslow thickness
In selected melanoma cases, a sentinel lymph node biopsy may also be performed.
The excision is followed by wound closure using direct suturing, local flap, or skin graft, depending on the size and location of the defect.
Postoperative Care and Follow-up
After surgery, patients are given instructions for wound care, sun protection, and the use of antiseptics or topical antibiotics. Sutures are typically removed within 7–14 days.
Histological analysis of the excised tissue determines the completeness of the removal and whether further intervention is necessary. In cases of melanoma, the presence of micrometastases or lymphatic invasion may require additional staging or collaboration with an oncology team.
Long-term follow-up is crucial:
- Clinical examination every 3–6 months for the first 2–3 years
- Monitoring for new lesions or recurrence
- Imaging when indicated
Advantages of Surgical Excision
Proper surgical management offers:
- Definitive removal of the lesion
- Histological confirmation and margin assessment
- Minimization of recurrence risk
- Immediate reconstruction of the cosmetic defect
Early intervention is vital for prognosis and long-term survival, especially in melanoma cases.
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Θεαματικό & άμεσα ορατό αποτέλεσμα
Πολλαπλές περιοχές εφαρμογής
Μια μόνο επέμβαση
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Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is performed under anesthesia and is painless. Postoperative pain is usually mild and managed with simple painkillers.
Yes, but efforts are made to keep it as discreet as possible, following the skin’s natural lines. Your surgeon may also recommend scar improvement methods.
In most cases, no. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis or even in a clinic setting.
Yes, particularly if the excision was incomplete or if the cancer is aggressive. This is why follow-up is essential.
Use sun protection, avoid trauma to the area, and regularly check your skin for new or changing lesions.
Early diagnosis and proper surgical excision are the foundation for successfully treating skin cancers and melanoma. This is not merely a cosmetic concern, but a matter of genuine health protection and prevention.
Plastic Surgeon Eleftherios Dimitradiou specializes in the excision of skin malignancies, using advanced surgical techniques that ensure both oncologic safety and aesthetic consideration.
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