Skin Cancer And Melanoma Surgery

Skin cancer, particularly melanoma, is a serious health concern globally due to its potential to metastasize and spread throughout the body if not treated promptly. Surgery is often the primary treatment for melanoma, especially in its early stages when the tumor is localized. The goal of surgery is to completely remove the cancerous tissue while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy skin.

In melanoma surgery, the surgeon typically removes the melanoma along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure that all cancer cells are excised. The size and depth of the melanoma determine the extent of the surgery, ranging from a simple excision for smaller lesions to more complex procedures such as wide local excision or lymph node dissection for more advanced cases. Additionally, in cases where melanoma has spread or metastasized, surgery may be combined with other treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy to improve outcomes and prevent recurrence. Regular follow-up visits are essential after melanoma surgery to monitor for any signs of recurrence and to ensure early detection and intervention if needed, highlighting the importance of ongoing surveillance in the management of melanoma.