What should you know about wide excision for melanoma?

A surgeon marks the area using the original biopsy site and removes the melanoma with nearby tissue. The amount removed depends on the melanoma findings and its location. The wound may be closed directly, or a graft or flap may be discussed when the gap is larger or lies on a cosmetically sensitive area. The removed tissue goes to a laboratory to check the edges and confirm the diagnosis.

A wide excision treats the local skin site; it does not by itself assess every lymph node or distant site. Depending on the melanoma stage, your team may discuss sentinel lymph node biopsy, additional skin cancer surgery, or medicines such as immunotherapy.

Before surgery, tell the team about medicines that affect bleeding, allergies, and any condition that changes wound healing. Arrange practical help if the site will limit movement. Afterward, keep the dressing and wound care routine exactly as instructed, avoid stretching the area until cleared, and attend the appointment for pathology results and suture removal if needed. Protect the healing scar from strong sun once the clinician says the wound is ready.

Contact the surgical team promptly for bleeding that does not settle with firm pressure, increasing redness or warmth, worsening swelling, pus, fever, wound separation, or pain that is becoming harder to control. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, faintness, breathing difficulty, or rapidly spreading swelling.

Ask which margin is planned, whether a graft or flap may be needed, when pathology results are expected, whether lymph-node assessment is appropriate, and how the scar should be protected during healing.