Skin Tumors

In this category fall all the benign and malignant skin lesions. Warts, papillomas, lipomas and sebaceous cysts are the most common benign conditions and do not always require surgical removal. Many times excision for cosmetic or diagnostic purposes is recommended. Removal of moles or papilloma warts can be carried out with ablative lasers, leaving a very small or no scar at all.

The most common malignant skin lesions are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant skin melanoma. Surgical resection is in these cases necessary. Additional treatment with radiation or chemotherapy or resection of lymphatic glands may apply in some cases.

Early diagnosis is the cornerstone of the treatment of skin lesions. For this reason, any emerging cutaneous and subcutaneous tumor and any change in the appearance of a preexisting nevus should be evaluated by a physician. Pruritus (itching) and bleeding are an indication for immediate medical evaluation.

The surgical treatment of skin lesions begins with the complete excision with good margin. The coverage of the skin defect is done either by direct closure and suturing or by using a special plastic surgery technique. With few exceptions, pathologic examination of the resected lesion is necessary. Additional treatment and follow-up depends on the result of the histological examination. Especially for malignant lesions, a postoperative follow-up schedule is planned.