What does surgical excision treat?

A surgeon numbs the area, removes the visible lesion with a margin chosen for the clinical situation, and closes the wound with stitches or another suitable method. The removed tissue may be sent for laboratory examination so the diagnosis and completeness of removal can be assessed. Excision can be considered for [Moles](/conditions/moles/), [Dermatofibroma](/conditions/dermatofibroma/), [Neurofibroma](/conditions/neurofibroma/), [Keratoacanthoma](/conditions/keratoacanthoma/), and selected skin cancers such as [Melanoma](/conditions/melanoma/) or [Squamous Cell Carcinoma](/conditions/squamous-cell-carcinoma/).

A scar is expected after an incision, and its appearance depends on the body site, lesion size, wound tension, healing, and individual scar tendency. Excision is not automatically the right approach for every raised scar; [Keloid Scars](/conditions/keloid/) and [Hypertrophic Scar](/conditions/hypertrophic-scar/) can behave differently after surgery.

Tell the clinician about medicines that affect bleeding, allergies to local anaesthetic, previous raised scars, and any change in the lesion. Afterward, keep the dressing and wound care routine as directed, avoid pulling on the closure, and attend the planned stitch-removal or wound review visit. Do not judge the final scar while the area is still healing.

Contact the surgical team for bleeding that does not settle with firm pressure, increasing pain, spreading redness, warmth, pus, wound separation, or fever. Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, faintness, or breathing difficulty. A changing lesion, a new lump near the scar, or a wound that is slow to heal also needs clinical review.

What is the suspected diagnosis, and will the specimen be examined? How wide an area needs removal? How will the wound be closed? What scar changes or wound symptoms should I report?