If you're looking for an experienced, highly regarded general surgeon who performs Melanoma excisions in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida contact John A.P. Rimmer M.D., also specializing in all facets of breast health treatments as well as a wide range of additional general surgery services. We've put together the following information regarding melanoma excisions because we believe knowledge is power when it comes to your health.

Surgery to excise (remove) a melanoma (the most dangerous type of skin cancer) eliminates the complete melanoma as well as a marginal area of the surrounding, normal looking skin. The width of the area of normal skin that is removed will depend on the depth of the skin cancer. Additional tissue, typically fat and skin under the skin cancer is also removed.

Melanoma Excisions in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida Variants

Small Excisions
Small melanoma excisions can be closed with stitches and generally heal without any problems.

Large Excisions
Large melanoma excisions usually used on locations like the face, hands or feet and at times require a skin graft to close up the wound after removing the melanoma.

The form of anesthetic used for surgery typically depends on the location and the size of the melanoma. Surgery on easily reached, small melanomas usually only require a local anesthetic. Surgery on larger melanomas usually requires general anesthesia.

Why Excision/Surgery Is Executed

Surgery is the most common treatment method for melanoma and at times the lymph nodes are also removed (at the same time) to test them for cancer. Surgery is also required to remove cancerous lymph nodes or to take out tumors that have spread to additional parts of the body.

What To Expect After Melanoma Excisions in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Recovery after melanoma excisions depends on the location and the extent of the surgery. The incision will take longer to heal if skin grafts or other reconstructive surgical techniques are used.

How Well It Works

Having the melanoma removed typically cures it if it is found early and the melanoma can also be cured if the cancer is only located in the nearby lymph nodes.

Contact our office to learn more about melanoma excisions in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida or to find out more about Dr. Rimmer's other highly regarded general surgery services by calling (561) 748-1242.