Name of the Procedure:

Excision, Tumor, Soft Tissue of Forearm and/or Wrist Area, Subcutaneous; Less Than 3 cm

Summary

This procedure involves the surgical removal of a small tumor located just beneath the skin in the soft tissues of the forearm or wrist. The tumor excised is less than 3 cm in size.

Purpose

This procedure addresses the presence of benign or malignant tumors in the subcutaneous soft tissues of the forearm or wrist. The goal is to remove the tumor to alleviate symptoms, prevent its growth, and obtain a sample for pathological examination.

Indications

• Presence of a palpable lump in the forearm or wrist.
• Pain or discomfort associated with the tumor.
• Limited range of motion or functional impairment due to the tumor.
• Changes in the skin over the tumor, such as redness or ulceration.
• Uncertain diagnosis requiring pathological examination.

Preparation

• Pre-procedure fasting may be required if general anesthesia is used.
• Patients may be advised to stop certain medications, such as blood thinners, before the procedure.
• Diagnostic imaging (ultrasound or MRI) and possibly a biopsy may be performed beforehand to assess the tumor.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned comfortably, and the area is cleaned with antiseptic.
2. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area; general anesthesia may be used in some cases.
3. A small incision is made over the tumor site.
4. The surgeon carefully dissects through the subcutaneous tissue to expose and excise the tumor.
5. The excised tissue is sent to a lab for pathological evaluation.
6. The incision is closed with sutures and a sterile dressing is applied.

Duration

The procedure typically takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Setting

This procedure is generally performed in an outpatient clinic, surgical center, or hospital.

Personnel

• Surgeon
• Surgical nurse
• Anesthesiologist (if general anesthesia is used)

Risks and Complications

• Common: Infection, bleeding, scarring.
• Rare: Nerve damage, recurrence of the tumor, allergic reaction to anesthesia.

Benefits

• Removal of the tumor, possibly permanent.
• Relief from symptoms such as pain, discomfort, and functional impairment.
• Diagnostic clarification through pathological analysis.

Recovery

• Patients may experience mild pain and swelling, managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
• Keep the surgical site clean and dry; follow instructions for wound care.
• Sutures are typically removed within 1-2 weeks.
• Avoid strenuous activities until cleared by the surgeon.
• Follow-up appointment to review pathology results and ensure proper healing.

Alternatives

• Observation with regular monitoring if the tumor is benign and asymptomatic.
• Non-surgical treatments, such as corticosteroid injections, for certain types of benign tumors.
• Radiation or chemotherapy for malignant tumors, depending on the specific case.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, patients under local anesthesia may feel pressure but should not experience pain. Post-procedure discomfort is usually mild and can be managed with pain relievers. Patients are typically able to return home the same day and resume normal activities within a few days to a week, following the surgeon's guidance.