Removal of Head & Neck Skin Lesions

About Skin Lesions

Skin lesions are lumps or sores or other areas of skin that appear different from the surrounding skin. Skin lesions can appear anywhere on the body, but oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialise in removal of lesions on the head and neck.

Lesions can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign lesions include most moles, warts, tags and cysts—small growths that do not invade surrounding tissue. The majority of skin lesions are benign.

Malignant or cancerous lesions invade the tissue around them and can spread to other parts of the body. Most skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun, and Australia has one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in the world.

Why would you need surgery for head and neck skin lesions?

If you have a benign lesion, you may prefer it removed for aesthetic reasons, or to avoid it being irritated by your clothing or jewellery.

If the lesion is malignant it may be diagnosed as a melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. In this case, the lesion would be removed urgently.

Otherwise, the lesion may be diagnosed as a basal cell carcinoma, the most common skin cancer of the head and neck, or squamous cell carcinoma, which grows quickly. These types of cancer are usually not life-threatening, but it is advisable to have them removed.

What does the treatment involve?

If a particular lesion looks suspicious, a biopsy will determine whether it is benign or malignant. Most lesions, whether benign or malignant, are removed under local anaesthetic.

If the cancer is more advanced, surrounding tissue may also need to be removed to ensure a complete removal of cancerous cells.  Depending on the extent of the affected area, a general anaesthetic may be necessary. Dr McNamara will discuss with you the best treatment for your skin lesions.

How long will you take to recover?

Recovery time depends on the type of procedure and the size of the wound. For straightforward removal of lesions, you can usually return to your normal routine the same day. Where there is more extensive surgery, allow a few days of recovery before returning to your usual routine.

If your wound requires stitches, Dr Zeb McNamara will advise you how to care for it, and whether you need to return for a checkup. If a lesion has been frozen off, it may bubble up slightly. Avoid touching it and let it dry naturally over a few days.

After any surgery to remove skin lesions on the head and neck, keep out of the sun until your wound has healed completely, and then take sensible precautions when you are exposed to the sun. For further reading, please visit our Post Operative Care Instructions for more information about your recovery.

What are the risks of the procedure?

The risks of surgery to remove head and neck skin lesions depend on the type of procedure and the size of the wound. Dr Zeb McNamara will discuss with you the risks of the surgery at your pre-operative consultation.