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SKIN LESIONS BETWEEN 4-5 CM
What is a Skin Lesion?
A skin lesion is a part of the skin that has an abnormal growth or appearance compared to the skin around it.
Two categories of skin lesions exist: primary and secondary. Primary skin lesions are abnormal skin conditions present at birth or acquired over a person’s lifetime.
Secondary skin lesions are the result of irritated or manipulated primary skin lesions. For example, if someone scratches a mole until it bleeds, the resulting lesion, a crust, is now a secondary skin lesion.
Types of Skin Lesions:
Moles
Dermatofibroma
Actinic keratosis
Seborrhoeic keratosis
Keratoacanthoma
Keratoacanthomas
Skin tags
Pyogenic granuloma
Sebaceous cysts
Warts
Benefits of having Skin Lesions removed
Benefits of having my skin lesion removed Skin lesions are excised (removed) in an attempt to fully remove skin lesions such as moles, cysts, lipomas (fatty lumps) and skin cancers. Most lesions are benign (noncancerous) but you may want to have them removed due to them being painful or unsightly.
Complete excision (excision biopsy)
This is a type of skin biopsy, in which the whole skin lesion is cut out and removed. It's the standard way to remove a lesion where
there is any possibility that it might be cancerous. You'll usually have a local anaesthetic before a skin biopsy, which will block any pain. Your doctor will then use a surgical blade to remove the whole lesion, plus a margin of ‘normal’ skin around the edge.
Aftercare for skin lesion removal
You’ll usually be able to go home as soon as you feel ready. Your doctor or nurse will give you some advice about caring for your healing wound before you go home. You may be given a date to have any stitches taken out. If you've had a local anaesthetic to remove your skin lesion, it may take an hour or two before the feeling comes back. Take special care not to bump or knock the affected area, and don't have hot drinks if you've had anaesthetics around your mouth. Your wound may feel tender and sore after the anaesthetic has worn off.
Healing time
It can take up to three weeks for your wound to heal. Your doctor or nurse will tell you when you'll need to have your stitches removed, but it's usually within 14 days.
Histology test
The lesion (piece of skin), which has been removed may be sent to the Pathology Department to be assessed. The results will be sent by letter to your GP.
Possible complications:
It is unusual for this procedure to restrict any daily activities however any surgical procedure can result in complications:
Pain
Bleeding
Infection of the surgical site (wound)
Scarring
Wound breakdown (skin fails to heal)
After surgery
You have had a local anaesthetic for the excision of a skin lesion. The area will be numb for a short time and then a gentle throbbing sensation may be felt as the local anaesthetic wears off. If you experience any pain a mild painkiller such as paracetamol can be taken.
Avoid heavy lifting or stretching of wound. The wound should be kept clean and dry.
What should I do if I have a problem?
If you experience severe pain, excessive swelling, inflammation or discharge contact either your GP, dial 111 or visit your nearest Urgent treatment centre.
Alternatives to surgery
Creams for superficial lesions, radiotherapy, laser therapy and cryosurgery are some of the other options available.
Sometimes a combination of treatments may be used. Your surgeon will discuss these alternative treatment options with you where appropriate.
When can I return to work?
Your own circumstances will determine when you feel ready to go back to work. If you have an office-type job and you can elevate
your leg then you should be able to return to work within 7 days. If your job requires a lot of walking or is strenuous then you may need 2-3 weeks off work. Patients can selfcertificate their sick leave for 7 days. If you require a sick certificate please ask your GP.
When can I return to sports?
You will be able to return to normal sporting activity usually between 8-12 weeks after your operation.
When can I return to driving?
You must be free of pain and it will also depend on where you had your surgery. The NHS website advise you should not drive until you feel it is safe to do so. If you are unsure, contact your GP for further advice and also check with your insurance company.