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How to Prepare for Melanoma Surgery
Published: Feb 17, 2024
Preparing for melanoma surgery can be daunting, but understanding the process can ease your mind and improve recovery.
What to Expect Before Surgery
Before surgery, your doctor will discuss the procedure, including the size and location of the melanoma. A biopsy is usually performed to confirm the diagnosis. Preoperative imaging may be required to check for any spread of the cancer, helping to plan the surgery effectively.
The Surgery Itself
During the surgery, the melanoma and a margin of normal tissue around it are removed. The surgeon aims to achieve clear margins, meaning no cancer cells are at the edge of the removed tissue. The size of the margin depends on the thickness of the melanoma, ensuring minimal risk of recurrence.
Post-Surgery Care
After surgery, care involves monitoring the surgical site for signs of infection and ensuring proper wound healing. Follow-up appointments are crucial to check for any recurrence of melanoma. Adjuvant therapy may be recommended depending on the melanoma stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
A biopsy and imaging may be needed to plan the surgery.
The goal is to remove the melanoma and enough surrounding tissue to prevent recurrence.
It involves monitoring for infection and attending follow-up appointments.
Clear margins mean no cancer cells are left at the edges, reducing recurrence risk.
Wrapping Up
Surgery is a critical step in melanoma treatment, aiming for complete removal and minimal recurrence.
References
- Swetter SM, Thompson JA, Albertini MR, et al. NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Melanoma: Cutaneous, Version 2.2021. J Natl Compr Canc Netw 2021; 19:364.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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