How long does tumour removal surgery take to work for melanoma?

The surgeon removes the melanoma with surrounding tissue selected for its site and features. The specimen goes to pathology, which assesses the tumour and its edges. That report can guide decisions about another local procedure, lymph-node assessment, or specialist treatment. The wound and scar heal on their own timeline, so visible healing is not the same as knowing the cancer status. Follow-up also checks for changes elsewhere on the skin.

Keep the wound covered as instructed, avoid rubbing or soaking it, and attend every pathology and follow-up visit. Protect healing skin from sunlight and do not judge the result by scar appearance alone. The [Tumour Removal Surgery](/treatments/surgical-oncology/tumour-removal-surgery/) team can explain activity limits, dressing changes, and whether additional appointments are planned.

Call the surgical team for bleeding that does not settle with advised pressure, increasing pain, spreading redness, pus, wound separation, or fever. Ask for prompt assessment of a new or changing mole, a persistent lump near the scar, or swollen lymph nodes. Information about [Melanoma](/conditions/melanoma/) should complement, not replace, your personalised follow-up plan.

Ask when the pathology report is expected, what the measured margins mean, whether more surgery or specialist review is needed, and how often your skin and lymph nodes should be checked. Ask which wound changes are urgent.