A diagnostic excisional biopsy is often the first step in melanoma management, where the lesion is completely removed and sent for pathology to confirm the diagnosis and assess depth. If melanoma is detected, a definitive wide local excision is performed, removing a margin of healthy skin around the tumour to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Melanoma Surgery Perth
Types of Procedures
Excisional Biopsy & Definitive Excision
Melanoma Treatment Planning
Bring your referral and pathology reports to the consultation. The melanoma’s thickness and other pathology features help guide the required excision margin and whether further staging is appropriate. Treatment may involve other specialists and, for some patients, therapies in addition to surgery.
Wide local excision and lymph node assessment
Wide local excision removes additional tissue around the melanoma biopsy site. Some wounds need a skin graft or flap. Sentinel lymph node biopsy may be considered to assess spread to a draining lymph node; it is not required for every melanoma. Further lymph node treatment is an individual multidisciplinary decision.
Risks, recovery and follow-up
Possible risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, altered sensation and wound healing problems. Grafts and flaps may not heal as intended. Lymph node surgery has additional risks, including fluid collections and lymphoedema. Recovery and activity restrictions depend on the operation and location. Follow-up includes review of pathology and healing, and an individual plan for surveillance.
Learn about other skin cancer surgery or contact Dr Zaman’s team for appointment information in Murdoch, Joondalup and Bunbury. A suspected or confirmed melanoma requires timely medical care; contact your referring doctor if you need help arranging prompt assessment.
Dr Raj Zaman is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon based in Perth, Western Australia, with MBBS and FRACS (Plast) qualifications. His practice includes reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery. Consultation considers individual concerns, treatment options, limitations, risks and recovery.
