Dr. Rimmer is one of Florida's highest rated general surgeons whose practice concentrates on breast diseases, treatment options for hernias, gallbladders and malignant or benign skin lesions, and is a Melanoma excision specialist near West Palm Beach, Florida. Read on to find out more about Melanoma Excision.

Surgery to excise (remove) a melanoma involves removing the entire melanoma, as well as a marginal border of normal looking skin. The amount of normal looking skin removed depends the melanoma's depth. Fat and skin are usually removed as well from underneath under the melanoma. Small excisions can be closed with stitches and typically heal without any problems. Large excisions or those located on the face, hands or feet could call for a skin graft to close up the wound.

Anesthesia The type of anesthetic utilized by a melanoma excision specialist near West Palm Beach, Florida will depend on the location and size of the melanoma. Surgery on smaller, easier to reach melanomas will in most cases call for a local anesthetic, while surgery for larger melanomas will require general anesthesia. Recovery following the surgery will depend on the location and extent of the procedure. The wound in most cases will take longer to heal if you have decided to have reconstructive surgery or if skin grafts are needed.

Why Melanoma Excision Is Done Surgery is the most common treatment method for melanoma, removing the primary melanoma as well as lymph nodes in some cases to check them for cancer. Surgical procedures may also be performed to remove cancerous lymph nodes or tumors that could have spread to other regions of the body.

How Well Melanoma Excision Works Melanoma excision usually cures it if it's found early enough, especially if the cancer is located in the nearby lymph nodes; if it doesn't eliminate the cancer totally, it can in some cases provide long lasting, effective relief of symptoms.

If you're looking for a highly rated Melanoma excision specialist near West Palm Beach, Florida, call (561) 748-1242 and make an appointment with Dr. Rimmer's for a consultation. He'll work side by side with you to create an innovative, personalized treatment plan; you won't find a more experienced, compassionate health care advocate than Dr. Rimmer.