Excisional Surgery in Melbourne
Excisional surgery is a procedure that removes cancerous or suspicious skin lesions, along with a surrounding margin of healthy tissue.
At Specialist Surgical Group, our Melbourne-based surgeons perform excisional surgery on patients with various types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. We utilise surgical techniques to remove the affected tissue while preserving healthy skin, aiming for good cosmetic and functional outcomes.
This procedure provides a comprehensive approach to skin cancer removal, offering complete tissue samples for pathological examination and analysis. Performed under local anaesthesia, you’ll benefit from same-day treatment and recovery in familiar surroundings.
We consult from our Essendon and Bundoora clinics, with procedures performed at accredited hospitals in Melbourne.
Call us today at (03) 9466 7338 to book a consultation.
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We are located in the heart of Essendon and Bundoora.
Do you require excisional surgery?
Excisional surgery may be appropriate for you if:
- You have been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma, requiring complete surgical removal.
- Your skin cancer is located in areas where wide surgical margins can be safely achieved without compromising function or appearance.
- You have a lesion that requires both removal and tissue analysis to confirm complete clearance of cancer cells.
- Your overall health status allows for a minor surgical procedure under local anaesthesia.
- You are committed to following post-operative wound care instructions and attending follow-up appointments.
During your initial consultation, we will assess your health, review your medical history, examine the characteristics of the lesion, and determine whether excisional surgery is the most suitable treatment for your specific case.
Potential benefits
- Complete cancer removal. Excisional surgery removes the entire tumour along with a margin of healthy tissue, providing thorough treatment and reducing the risk of cancer recurrence [1].
- Accurate diagnosis and staging. The removed tissue undergoes comprehensive pathological examination, allowing for precise diagnosis, cancer grading, and confirmation that all cancerous cells have been eliminated [2].
Outpatient convenience. Most procedures can be performed in our clinic under local anaesthesia, eliminating the need for hospitalisation and allowing you to return home the same day [3]. - Positive clinical outcomes. Studies demonstrate cure rates of approximately 95% for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas when adequate surgical margins are achieved [4].
- Immediate treatment. Unlike some other treatment modalities, excisional surgery provides immediate removal of the cancer, addressing both the visible lesion and potential microscopic spread [1].
Potential risks
- Surgical scarring. All surgical procedures result in some degree of scarring, with the scar typically corresponding to the size and shape of the incision required for complete removal [2].
- Incomplete removal. There is a possibility that microscopic cancer cells may remain at the surgical margins, potentially requiring additional treatment or re-excision [5].
- Wound healing complications. As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection, delayed healing, or adverse reactions to local anaesthesia, though these complications are uncommon [3].
- Functional or cosmetic impact. Depending on the location and size of the excision, temporary or permanent changes to the appearance or function of the treated area may occur [2].
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(03) 9466 7338Meet our skin cancer surgeons
Excisional surgery procedure
Here’s what you can expect during your excisional surgery at Specialist Surgical Group. Each patient’s experience may vary based on individual circumstances and the specific characteristics of their lesion.
1. Initial consultation
Your surgeon will examine the lesion, review your medical history, and discuss the procedure details. The surgical site will be marked, and we’ll explain the expected size of the excision and closure method.
You’ll receive pre-operative instructions and have any questions answered.
2. Pre-operative preparation
The treatment area will be thoroughly cleaned and draped in a sterile manner.
Local anaesthetic will be injected to numb the surgical site completely, ensuring your comfort throughout the procedure. You may feel a brief stinging sensation during the injection.
3. Surgery and tumour removal
Using precise surgical techniques, your surgeon will remove the entire lesion along with the predetermined margin of healthy tissue.
The excision is typically elliptical to allow for optimal wound closure and minimal scarring.
4. Pathology examination and results
The removed tissue is immediately sent for pathological analysis. The surgical site is carefully examined for any bleeding, which is controlled as needed.
The wound is then closed using sutures, with attention to achieving the best possible cosmetic outcome.
5. Initial recovery and discharge
You’ll receive detailed wound care instructions, including how to keep the area clean and dry, when to remove dressings, and signs of potential complications to watch for.
Pain medication recommendations and activity restrictions will be discussed.
6. Follow-up care
A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to monitor healing, remove sutures if necessary, and discuss pathology results.
We’ll review the completeness of the excision and discuss any additional treatment requirements if needed.
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(03) 9466 7338Excisional surgery FAQ
The procedure itself should not be painful as the local anaesthetic completely numbs the treatment area. You may feel pressure or tugging sensations, but no pain. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild and well-controlled with over-the-counter pain medication.
Most excisional surgeries are completed within 30-60 minutes, depending on the size and location of the lesion. This includes preparation time, the surgery itself, and initial wound care instructions.
Pathology results are typically available within 5-14 business days after surgery. We will contact you with the results and schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the findings and any further treatment requirements.
Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days, with some restrictions on heavy lifting or strenuous exercise. Complete healing typically occurs within 1-3 weeks, depending on the location and size of the excision.
All surgical procedures result in some scarring. However, our surgeons use advanced techniques to minimise scarring, including careful incision placement along natural skin lines and meticulous wound closure. Scars typically fade significantly over time.
Initial follow-up is typically within 1-2 weeks for wound check and suture removal. Long-term follow-up depends on your cancer type and risk factors, usually involving skin examinations every 6-12 months.
Medical disclaimer
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations, and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Individual circumstances vary significantly, and nothing on this page should be used as a substitute for personalised advice from a qualified medical professional.
If you have concerns about your health, please seek medical attention promptly. To discuss your specific condition and treatment options with our team, please book a consultation by calling us at (03) 9466 7338.
References
[1] Drucker AM, Adam GP, Rofeberg V, et al. Treatments of Primary Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Skin: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis. Ann Intern Med. 2018;169(7):456-466. https://doi.org/10.7326/M18-0678
[2] Salmon P, Mortimer N, Rademaker M, Adams L, Stanway A, Hill S. Surgical excision of skin cancer: the importance of training. British Journal of Dermatology. 2010;162(1):117-122. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2009.09548.x
[3] Shuber E, Abdulhussein D, Sinclair P, Kadhum M. Who Should Carry Out Skin Cancer Excisions? A Systematic Review. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2019;12(3):153-157. https://doi.org/10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_174_18
[4] Bichakjian C, Armstrong A, Baum C, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of basal cell carcinoma. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2018;78(3):540-559. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2017.10.006
[5] Nolan GS, Kiely AL, Totty JP, Wormald JCR, Wade RG, Arbyn M, Jain A. Incomplete surgical excision of keratinocyte skin cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Dermatol. 2021;184(6):1033-1044. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.19660