Melanoma surgery on the leg: what to know

The surgeon removes the visible melanoma and a surrounding margin judged appropriate for its pathology. The wound may be closed directly or need a graft or other reconstruction when the defect is larger or lies over a difficult area. The final tissue examination confirms the diagnosis, checks the margins, and provides details used for staging.

A leg operation can affect walking, swelling, footwear, or the nearby joint depending on its location. If the melanoma’s features warrant it, your team may discuss [Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy] during the surgical plan. [Melanoma] provides condition-level background.

Ask whether you should change any medicines before surgery, how to arrange transport, and when you can shower, walk, exercise, or return to work. Follow dressing instructions and keep the leg elevated if advised. Watch the incision without picking at scabs, and attend the appointment where the pathology and next steps are explained.

Depending on the result, care may involve [Surgical Excision], broader [Skin Cancer Surgery], or [Tumour Removal Surgery]. If pathology shows a need for additional treatment, your specialist may discuss [Immunotherapy]. Do not judge the result from the scar’s appearance alone.

Call the surgical team if the wound opens, bleeding does not settle with firm pressure, pain or swelling is increasing, or the skin becomes hot and increasingly red. Discharge, a bad smell, fever, or feeling acutely unwell can signal infection. Seek urgent help for sudden one-sided calf swelling or pain, chest pain, or shortness of breath. A new lump near the scar or in the groin also needs review.

How wide will the excision be, and will I need a graft? Where will the scar sit? When can I bear weight and drive? How should I manage swelling? Were the margins clear, is sentinel node sampling suitable, and when will the pathology review happen?