Melanoma
Melanoma surgery is a crucial treatment option for individuals diagnosed with melanoma, a type of skin cancer that originates in the melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin.
What is Melanoma Surgery?
Melanoma surgery involves the removal of cancerous skin lesions or tumours, as well as a margin of surrounding healthy tissue, to ensure complete excision of the cancer cells. It's the primary treatment for early-stage melanoma and may also be used in combination with other therapies for more advanced cases.
Why is Melanoma Surgery Recommended?
Melanoma surgery is recommended for several reasons, including:
Complete removal of cancer: Surgery aims to completely excise the melanoma and surrounding tissue to prevent cancer spread and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Staging and prognosis: The surgical specimen is examined under a microscope to determine the melanoma's stage and characteristics, which helps guide further treatment decisions and provides valuable prognostic information.
Cosmetic outcome: Melanoma surgery aims to achieve optimal cosmetic results while ensuring complete cancer removal, minimising scarring and preserving function whenever possible.
Before the Operation
Before undergoing melanoma surgery, patients will have consultations with their dermatologist or surgeon to discuss the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes. Preoperative evaluations may include physical examination, imaging tests such as ultrasound, MRI or CT scans to assess the lesion's depth and extent, and biopsy to confirm the melanoma diagnosis.
The Operation
Melanoma surgery can take different forms depending on factors such as the tumour size, location, and depth of invasion. Common surgical techniques include:
Wide Local Excision: This involves removing the melanoma along with a margin of healthy tissue around it to ensure complete removal.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: In some cases, particularly if the melanoma is thicker or has a higher risk of spreading, a sentinel lymph node biopsy may be performed to assess lymph node involvement.
Lymph Node Dissection: If cancer cells are detected in the sentinel lymph node or if there's evidence of lymph node spread, additional lymph nodes may be removed through lymph node dissection.
The duration of melanoma surgery varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and whether additional interventions are performed. Generally, the operation can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours to complete.
Risks and Complications
While melanoma surgery is generally safe, it carries risks like any surgical procedure. Potential complications may include bleeding, infection, wound healing problems, nerve damage, lymphedema (swelling), and scarring. However, these risks are relatively low, and most patients recover without major issues.
After the Operation
After melanoma surgery, patients may experience some discomfort, swelling, or bruising at the surgical site. Pain relief medication will be provided as needed. Patients will receive instructions on wound care, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments to monitor their recovery progress and assess the surgical site for any signs of infection or complications.
Expected Recovery Time and Results
Recovery time after melanoma surgery varies depending on factors such as the surgical technique used, the extent of the procedure, and the individual's overall health. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few weeks, although strenuous exercise and heavy lifting may need to be avoided for a longer period. Results from the surgery, including the melanoma stage and margins, are typically available within a few days to weeks after the procedure, allowing healthcare providers to determine the next steps in the treatment plan. Regular follow-up appointments with the dermatologist or surgeon will be scheduled to monitor for any signs of recurrence and ensure optimal recovery.
