Wide Local Excisions

Summary Content

Wide Local Excision (WLE) is a surgical technique used to remove abnormal or cancerous skin lesions, along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete removal. It is commonly utilized to treat skin cancers like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, as well as suspicious growths that have the potential to become malignant. The goal is to eliminate the affected tissue and minimize the chance of recurrence.

At Rejuvenation Dermatology, we perform Wide Local Excision procedures with a focus on both medical effectiveness and cosmetic outcomes. The procedure is carried out under local anesthesia, and fine suturing methods are often used to promote healing and reduce scarring. After the lesion and surrounding tissue are excised, the sample is sent to a pathology lab for analysis.

Recovery is typically smooth, with many patients able to return to normal activities soon after the procedure. Wide Local Excision plays a crucial role in preserving skin health and provides peace of mind when addressing serious skin concerns.

What Is a Wide Local Excision?

Wide Local Excision is a surgical procedure designed to remove cancerous or suspicious skin lesions along with a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue. This technique ensures the complete removal of abnormal cells while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. It plays a key role in maintaining skin health and preventing the recurrence of cancer.

Benefits of Wide Local Excisions

Wide Local Excision offers effective removal and improved skin health for skin cancers and suspicious lesions:

  • Precise Removal: Ensures complete removal of cancerous or abnormal tissue with healthy tissue preserved.
  • Reduced Recurrence: Lowers the chance of cancer regrowth by removing all affected cells.
  • Long-Term Skin Health: Promotes skin healing and supports ongoing skin care and prevention.
  • Enhanced Cosmetic Results: Uses skilled techniques to minimize scarring and preserve skin’s appearance.

What Conditions Can Wide Local Excisions Address?

Wide Local Excision effectively addresses a range of cancerous and precancerous skin conditions:

  • Melanoma Treatment: Removes early to advanced melanomas with clear margins to prevent spread.
  • Non-Melanoma Cancers: Effectively excises basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas for thorough removal.
  • Precancerous Lesions: Eliminates atypical moles and dysplastic nevi before they become malignant.
  • Suspicious Growths: Provides diagnostic clarity and proactive treatment for changing or high-risk skin lesions.

Conditions

What To Expect During Your Wide Local Excision Session

  • Consultation and Agreement:
    Your dermatologist or surgeon will explain the procedure, discuss the reasons for the excision, and answer any final questions. You will also be asked to sign a consent form.
  • Local Anesthesia:
    A local anesthetic will be administered to numb the area. You may feel a brief pinch or sting, followed by complete numbness.
  • Lesion Removal:
    The dermatologist will carefully excise the lesion along with a surrounding margin of healthy tissue. While you may feel pressure or movement, the procedure should be pain-free.
  • Wound Closure:
    The wound will be carefully closed with sutures, using techniques that aim to minimize scarring and support optimal healing.
  • Dressing and Aftercare Guidance:
    A sterile bandage will be placed, and you'll receive instructions on how to care for the wound at home, including cleaning, activity limitations, and any other aftercare steps.
  • Follow-Up Visit:
    A follow-up appointment may be scheduled to assess the healing process, remove any non-absorbable sutures, and review the pathology results.

Wide Local Excision FAQs:

Removing a margin of healthy tissue helps ensure no cancerous or abnormal cells are left behind, reducing the risk of recurrence.

Yes, a scar is likely, but it’s minimized through careful suturing and aftercare. Over time, most scars fade and become less noticeable.

 Most patients heal within 1–3 weeks, depending on the size and location of the excision. Proper wound care is important for optimal healing.

Wide Local Excision | Skin Cancer Removal | Oakville, Ontario

Locations We Offer Wide Locas Excisions

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