Melanoma Surgery

Indications: Cancerous cells of melanoma are surgically removed from the outermost layer of skin during melanoma surgery. When problematic moles or lesions are discovered during regular skin exams or screening tests such as skin biopsy or dermatological evaluations, surgery becomes required.

Underlying Causes: Melanoma develops due to genetic susceptibility and being exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from direct sunlight or artificial environments like tanning beds. Fair skin, a past of burns from the sun, a large number of molecules, a family background of Melanoma, and an impaired immune system are risk factors.

Treatment Approach:The removal of the malignant lesion surgically is the primary treatment for melanoma. Surgical methods for melanoma treatment might vary depending on its characteristics. If the disease has progressed to neighboring lymph nodes, then options include lymphadenectomy (lymph node dissection), extensive local excision, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and excisional biopsy. For the best outcomes, early detection and immediate therapy are important.

Preoperative Assessment: The patient undergoes a comprehensive evaluation, including a review of medical history, physical examination, and possibly imaging studies to determine the melanoma's size, depth, and location.

Anesthesia Administration: Anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient's comfort and safety during the procedure. Depending on the extent of surgery, anesthesia may be local, regional, or general.

Incision: A surgical incision is made around the melanoma, ensuring an adequate margin of healthy tissue surrounding the tumor. The size and location of the incision depend on the melanoma's characteristics and location.

Tumor Removal: The surgeon carefully removes the melanoma along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete excision and reduce the risk of recurrence. The depth of excision depends on the melanoma's thickness, as determined by preoperative assessment.

Wound Closure: Once the melanoma is excised, the surgical site is closed using sutures, surgical staples, or adhesive strips. Care is taken to ensure proper wound alignment and minimize tension on the skin for optimal healing.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (if indicated): In some cases, a sentinel lymph node biopsy may be performed during melanoma Surgery Procedure to assess whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. This involves identifying and removing the lymph node(s) most likely to contain cancer cells for further examination.

Postoperative Care: The patient is monitored in the recovery area until fully awake and stable. Postoperative instructions, including wound care, pain management, and activity restrictions, are provided. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing progress and assess for any signs of recurrence or complications.