SURGERY FOR SKIN TUMORS :
Cutaneous tumors (or lesions) are spots or outgrowths of the skin, varying in size, shape and color. They can occur anywhere on the face or body. Each cell type in the skin is capable of transforming into a benign or malignant tumor.
There are therefore a large number of skin tumors, ranging from the simple "mole" to the very rare tumor.
They can appear during life or be present from birth, and are often diagnosed by a dermatologist or the attending physician, who then asks a plastic surgeon to remove them.
In the case of skin tumours, there are three main types:
- benign tumours (melanomas, epidermal tumours, adnexal tumours, connective tissue tumours)
Certain lesions can sometimes transform and evolve into malignancy, so it makes sense to remove them preventively.
- suspicious tumors (especially melanoma)
The purpose of removal is to subject the lesion to anatomopathological examination, which is the only way to confirm the diagnosis.
- malignant tumors (epitheliomas, basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, melanomas, sarcomas)
Skin cancers need to be removed, as surgery is often the only treatment that can achieve a complete cure. The aim is to remove the cancer completely, leaving a "safety margin" to give the best chance of avoiding recurrence.
What has been removed is systematically subjected to anatomopathological analysis to confirm the diagnosis.
The removal of a skin tumor, whether large or small, is first and foremost a surgical procedure that requires compliance with certain principles.
It's important to know that when surgery involves the skin being broken, whatever the technique used to sew it back on, it will repair itself, leaving a scar that cannot disappear completely.
Prior to the operation, the surgeon will carry out an interview and examination of the skin lesion to determine the surgical option(s).
In the event of anaesthesia other than purely "local", a pre-anaesthetic check-up may be prescribed and a consultation must be scheduled.
The post-operative period may cause some discomfort, with a feeling of tension on the scar, but actual disabling pain is rare.
Itching or small bruises may appear, and should be considered as "usual" after-effects.
When sutures are not absorbable, they are removed between days 5 and 15.
As regards scarring, it should be noted that the scar, initially red, may turn brown and become fibrous and indurated, before clearing and softening after a few weeks to a few months, most often beyond the third month after surgery.
Exposure to the sun should be avoided, but a "sunblock" type of protection should be used.
It can take up to two years to appreciate the final appearance of the scar. It is essential to regularly monitor the evolution and appearance of scars. This is the only way to detect any problems in time, so that appropriate treatment can be applied.
It should be pointed out that the quality of healing is highly variable, depending on age, body parts and environmental factors. This is due to the fact that the healing process involves fairly random phenomena.
Dermato-surgery corresponds to "surface" operations that only concern the skin and are therefore not very "heavy".
By choosing a qualified and competent Plastic Surgeon, specifically trained in this type of technique, the risks inherent in any medical procedure are kept to a minimum;
He or she has the training and skills required to avoid complications and treat them effectively, should they arise.
The price for this type of intervention varies between 100 and 300 euros. The mutual insurance company may reimburse part or all of the excess fees.
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