Skin Lesions

What is a skin lesion?

Skin lesion removal involves excision or destruction of unwanted, suspicious, or symptomatic skin growths. It may be performed for medical, functional, or cosmetic reasons. Lesions include moles, cysts, lipomas, skin tags, and potentially cancerous growths. The goal is complete removal with minimal scarring and accurate histological diagnosis when indicated.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer surgery removes cancerous or pre-cancerous skin lesions to prevent spread and achieve the best cosmetic result. It is the most effective treatment for most types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and some melanomas.

Types of Skin Cancer Treated

  • Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): slow-growing and rarely spreads, but can invade nearby tissue if untreated.

  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): may grow faster and, in some cases, spread to lymph nodes if not removed.

  • Melanoma: the most serious form of skin cancer, requires early detection and complete excision.

Melanoma

Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that starts in pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. It can spread quickly if left untreated, but when detected early, treatment is highly effective.

What to Look For
Melanoma often appears as a new spot on the skin or a change in an existing mole. Warning signs can be remembered with the ABCDE rule:

  • A – Asymmetry: one half doesn’t match the other

  • B – Border: edges are irregular or blurred

  • C – Colour: uneven colour or multiple shades

  • D – Diameter: larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)

  • E – Evolving: changing in size, shape, or colour

Frequently Asked Questions

    • Lesions showing changes in colour, shape, or size

    • Painful, bleeding, or irritated lesions

    • Suspicious growths requiring biopsy or exclusion of skin cancer

    • Benign lesions removed for comfort or appearance

  • The surgical approach depends on the type, size, and location of the cancer:

    • Simple Excision: removal of the tumour with a margin of normal skin; closed with fine sutures.

    • Wide Local Excision: used for melanoma or aggressive cancers; removes a broader margin to ensure complete clearance.

    • Curettage and Cautery: for small or superficial lesions; tissue is scraped and cauterised to destroy remaining cells.

    • Skin Flap or Graft Reconstruction: when larger areas are removed, nearby tissue or a skin graft may be used to restore natural appearance and function.

    • Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: may be performed for melanoma to check for spread to nearby lymph nodes.

    • Performed under local anaesthesia in a minor procedure setting

    • Technique depends on lesion type and location:

      • Simple excision: lesion removed with a small margin of normal tissue; closed with fine sutures

      • Shave excision: raised lesions removed flush with the skin surface; minimal scarring

      • Punch excision: small circular blade used for small moles or cysts

      • Curettage or cautery: superficial lesions scraped or cauterised (no sutures)

    • Specimens are often sent for histopathological analysis to confirm diagnosis

    • The goal is complete removal of the lesion or cancer with minimal scarring.

    • Scars fade over time and are usually positioned along natural skin lines.

    • Cosmetic outcome depends on site, skin type and aftercare

    • In some cases, reconstructive techniques restore a near-normal appearance.

    • Bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing

    • Scarring or pigment change

    • Incomplete excision requiring re-operation

    • Rare recurrence of lesion

    • Regular skin checks every 6–12 months

    • Sun protection: daily SPF 50+, protective clothing, and avoidance of tanning beds

    • Early assessment of any new or changing lesions

Dr Katie-Beth Webster offers consultations in Melbourne, with appointments available in Box Hill and East Melbourne.

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