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Being told a growth should be surgically removed naturally raises questions about anesthesia, stitches, scarring, activity, and follow-up.
We explain why excision is recommended, how much tissue needs to be removed, and what healing should look like.
Surgical excision is used for selected skin cancers, atypical growths, cysts, and other lesions when complete removal is appropriate.
When is surgical excision used?
Excision may be recommended after an examination or biopsy confirms a diagnosis that is best treated surgically. The procedure chosen depends on the diagnosis, pathology, size, location, prior treatment, and other clinical factors.
- Selected basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas
- Melanoma or melanoma in situ when standard excision is appropriate
- Atypical or severely dysplastic moles requiring additional removal
- Symptomatic or recurrent cysts
- Selected benign growths that are painful, enlarging, irritated, or otherwise appropriate for removal
What happens during an excision?
The area is cleaned and numbed with local anesthetic. The lesion is removed with a planned margin, and the specimen may be sent to a pathology laboratory for microscopic examination. The wound is usually closed with stitches. Depending on the size and location, a layered repair or another closure technique may be used.
Excision versus Mohs surgery
Standard excision is appropriate for many lesions and skin cancers. Mohs surgery may be recommended for selected cancers when tissue preservation, tumor location, recurrence risk, or other features make microscopic margin control especially useful. Your dermatologist will discuss the option that fits the diagnosis and location.
After the procedure
You will receive written wound-care and activity instructions. Stitches may need to be removed at a follow-up visit. Common short-term effects include tenderness, swelling, bruising, and a small amount of bleeding. All surgery leaves a scar. Other risks can include infection, wound separation, pigment change, recurrence, or the need for additional treatment if pathology shows involved margins.
Aftercare: Review Procedural Wound Care — Excision for dressing care, cleansing, bleeding control, activity precautions, and when to call the office.
Do not stop aspirin, anticoagulants, antiplatelet medications, or other prescribed medicines unless the clinician who prescribed them tells you to do so.
Related procedures
Learn more about cyst removal, mole removal, and skin cancer treatments.
Schedule a surgical evaluation
For a lesion or growth that may require surgical removal, Book Appointment to arrange an evaluation in Garden City, Syosset, or Bellerose.