What to expect from tumour removal surgery for Merkel cell carcinoma

The surgeon removes the visible skin lesion with a margin of nearby tissue. A sentinel lymph-node procedure or removal of involved nodes may be discussed, depending on the tumour and examination findings. The wound may be closed directly or repaired with a skin graft or flap when more skin is removed. The final tissue analysis checks the tumour edges and lymph nodes.

The treated area may be sore, swollen, numb, or tight while healing. Scarring and changes in skin colour or sensation can occur. Further treatment or close skin and lymph-node checks may be recommended after the pathology review.

Tell the team about blood-thinning medicines, allergies, skin conditions, and previous problems with wound healing. Ask whether you need to change medicines before surgery and how to protect the area from friction. Arrange transport if the operation or anaesthesia makes driving unsafe.

Keep the dressing and wound clean as instructed, and avoid picking at scabs or putting unapproved creams on the site. Protect healed skin from strong sunlight and attend appointments for wound review and pathology results. Check the skin as your team advises and report a new or changing lesion.

Contact the surgical team for spreading redness, increasing warmth, pus-like drainage, wound separation, feverishness, or pain that is worsening. Seek urgent care for bleeding that does not stop with firm pressure, fainting, breathing difficulty, or rapidly increasing swelling. A graft or flap that becomes unusually dark, pale, cold, or very painful needs prompt review.

Will lymph nodes be sampled or removed? Will I need a graft or flap? How should I care for the dressing and scar? When will pathology results be discussed? What skin changes or swollen nodes should I report between visits?