What to expect from tumour removal surgery for melanoma

The surgeon marks the area, numbs it or uses another anaesthetic plan, and removes the melanoma with surrounding skin according to the treatment plan. The wound may need stitches, a graft, a flap, or a dressing while it heals. The specimen is sent to pathology. Its report helps the team understand the tumour and whether the removed edges are clear; it may also guide decisions about further surgery or specialist treatment.

Follow the written instructions for dressings, cleaning, ointment, and bathing. Keep hands clean before wound care, avoid picking at a scab, and limit stretching or strenuous activity that pulls on the site until your team permits it. Tenderness, bruising, swelling, and minor oozing may occur. Attend every pathology and wound review. Protect the healed area from strong sunlight and check your skin as recommended.

Call the surgical team if bleeding continues despite firm pressure, pain is increasing rather than easing, or the wound becomes hot, very red, swollen, foul-smelling, or coated with pus. Seek urgent help for severe bleeding, faintness, or breathing difficulty. Contact your melanoma team promptly if a wound opens or if you notice a new or changing lesion during follow-up.

Ask what margin is planned, how the wound will be closed, whether a graft or flap is likely, and when the pathology report should be discussed. Ask about activity, scar care, skin checks, and whether another specialist will be involved.