Name of the Procedure:

Destruction of Malignant Lesion (e.g., Laser Surgery, Electrosurgery, Cryosurgery, Chemosurgery, Surgical Curettement) on Face, Ears, Eyelids, Nose, Lips, Mucous Membrane; Lesion Diameter 1.1 to 2.0 cm.

Summary

This procedure involves the removal of cancerous skin lesions located on sensitive areas like the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membrane. Several techniques can be used such as laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, or surgical curettement, specifically for lesions with a diameter of 1.1 to 2.0 cm.

Purpose

• Medical Condition: Treats skin cancer lesions that are malignant.
• Goals/Outcomes: To completely remove the cancerous tissue to prevent its spread and recurrence, while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

Indications

• Symptoms/Conditions: Presence of a malignant skin lesion in the specified sensitive areas.
• Patient Criteria: Patients diagnosed with or highly suspected of having malignant skin lesions measuring between 1.1 and 2.0 cm in diameter.

Preparation

• Pre-procedure Instructions: Patients may need to stop certain medications like blood thinners. Fasting instructions or specific skincare protocols may be given.
• Diagnostic Tests/Assessments: A biopsy may be conducted to confirm the malignancy of the lesion, and imaging tests might be required for precise mapping.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is applied to numb the area.
2. Technique:
   • Laser Surgery: Uses concentrated light to vaporize the lesion.
   • Electrosurgery: Utilizes electrical current to burn the lesion.
   • Cryosurgery: Freezes the lesion with liquid nitrogen.
   • Chemosurgery: Applies chemicals to destroy the lesion.
   • Surgical Curettement: Involves scraping the lesion with a surgical instrument.
3. Execution: The chosen method is meticulously applied to remove the cancerous tissue, ensuring complete excision.
4. Closure: Depending on the technique, the site may be cauterized, sutured, or bandaged.

Duration

The procedure typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity and method used.

Setting

This procedure is usually performed in an outpatient clinic, dermatology office, or surgical center.

Personnel

• Primary: Dermatologist or Surgical Oncologist.
• Support: Registered Nurses, Medical Assistants, and possibly an Anesthesiologist for certain techniques.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Pain, swelling, redness, and minor bleeding.
• Rare Complications: Infection, scarring, pigment changes, or incomplete removal requiring additional treatment.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Removal of cancerous tissue with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue, reducing the risk of cancer spread.
• Realization: Benefits are typically observed within a few weeks, as the site heals and follow-up assessments confirm lesion clearance.

Recovery

• Post-procedure Care: Keep the area clean and dry, apply prescribed ointments, and avoid exposure to sun and infection risks.
• Recovery Time: Generally, a few weeks to a month, with specific activity restrictions based on the area treated.
• Follow-up: Regular check-ups to monitor healing and ensure no recurrence.

Alternatives

• Other Treatments: Mohs surgery, radiation therapy, or topical chemotherapy.
• Pros and Cons: Alternatives may offer different benefits, such as tissue preservation in Mohs surgery, but could come with varying risks and recovery times.

Patient Experience

• During: Minimal discomfort due to local anesthesia; sensations vary with method (e.g., cooling with cryosurgery).
• After: Some pain manageable with OTC pain relief, instructions for managing discomfort, and possible use of bandages or ointments to support healing.