Removal of malignant melanoma

Melanoma is a malignant skin tumour from skin pigment cells called melanocytes. Any pigment spot that shows certain atypical features should be examined by a dermatologist and eventually removed. Especially if a previously stable freckle has suddenly enlarged, changed its colour, become very dark, has blurred edges, bled, has become asymmetrical or has otherwise changed during the last half a year.

Indications of the procedure

If melanoma is suspected, it should be examined by a dermatologist, who will assess whether surgery is necessary.

Form of intervention

The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis or during hospitalisation depending on the extent.

Method and course of operation or procedure

The excision is performed under local or general anaesthesia. The skin focus is removed with the edge of visually healthy tissue. The procedure may include the removal of the so-called sentinel node. The purpose of the procedure is to more gently detect or eliminate the possible tumour metastases in lymph nodes and thus reduce the unnecessarily large scope of surgery and allow accurate setting of subsequent oncological treatment. If this node is not affected, it is usually not necessary to remove other nodes from the groin or armpit. However, the result of the microscopic examination of this node will be available after only a few days. It is therefore possible that it will be necessary to remove further nodes in the case of a positive finding. Adipose tissue with lymph nodes and lymph vessels are removed together with regional lymph nodes.

Postoperative course and recommendations

The sutures are removed two weeks after the procedure; the convalescence period is about 4-8 weeks depending on the extent of the procedure.

Form of payment

The procedure is fully covered by health insurance.

This procedure is performed in our facility by all plastic surgeons.