Wide local excision

A wide local excision is a surgical procedure performed after a skin cancer such as melanoma or certain high risk non melanoma skin cancers has been diagnosed on biopsy. The aim is to remove a margin of normal skin around the scar or residual lesion to reduce the risk of local recurrence.

Why wide local excision is needed

When a melanoma or high risk skin cancer is diagnosed, guidelines recommend removing additional surrounding tissue. This helps ensure that any microscopic cancer cells left behind after the initial biopsy are removed.

The size of the margin depends on the type and thickness of the cancer and is discussed with you before surgery.

The procedure

The previous scar and a surrounding rim of skin are excised under local anaesthetic in most cases. The wound is then closed directly or, if necessary, using more advanced closure techniques. The excised tissue is sent for histological examination to confirm that the margins are clear.

Recovery and follow up

You may feel tightness or pulling around the scar during the early stages of healing. As with other excisions, careful wound care and restricted activity for a period help to protect the repair.

After a wide local excision for melanoma or high risk skin cancer, a programme of long term skin surveillance is usually recommended to monitor for recurrence and detect any new lesions at an early stage.

If you have been advised to undergo a wide local excision and would like to discuss the procedure, please contact us using the contact page.