Excisional Surgery for Benign and Malignant Lesions
The skin is the layer of tissue that covers the body. It is the largest organ of the body and is divided into an outer layer of cells (epidermis) and a deeper layer containing blood and lymphatic vessels, nerves, and hair follicles (dermis). Subcutaneous tissue lies beneath the skin and contains fat tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. A skin lesion is any visible abnormality of the skin, including wounds; sores; rashes; boils; cysts; moles; vascular birthmarks; vascular, nerve, or fat tumors; excessive scar tissue (keloids, hypertrophic scars); and malignant tumors. Sometimes, there can be microscopic invasion of apparently healthy tissue by a lesion such as skin cancer. Excision of a lesion refers to the removal of a lesion and part of the surrounding, normal-appearing tissue.
Excision of malignant lesions is necessary for treatment and to prevent spreading to deeper or distant tissues (metastasis). Wide excision of malignancies ensures a better chance of eradication of the lesion. Excision of a benign lesion or tissue may be necessary if it is enlarging or spreading, if it is bothersome or painful, or if the appearance is unsightly. Cosmetic excision is done to remove moles, scars, cysts, and vascular birthmarks at the request of the individual in order to enhance appearance.