Skin surgery

Question 1

What are the indications for performing a skin biopsy?

Answer 1

To assist diagnosis- Often difficult due to similarities.
Remove malignancy- BCC, malignant melanoma.
Remove unwanted skin growth

Question 2

What does biopsy mean?

Answer 2

Sending a sample away to histology.

Question 3

What does excision mean?

Answer 3

Removing all of area. Always excise melanoma.

Question 4

What does incision mean?

Answer 4

Removal of only a part of area.

Question 5

What things is it important to consider when planning surgery?

Answer 5

Nature of procedure
Location of procedure- Use skin folds, tiger country is dangerous.
Medical Hx- Mainly pacemaker, valve defects, epilepsy and diabetes.
Drug Hx
Bleeding disorders
Allergies
Stop smoking!

Question 6

Give six types of skin surgery and info on them.

Answer 6

Electrosurgery
Snip excision- cut across base
Curettage- Use curette loop to scrape off and cauterise
Shave excision- Insert needle through and use as guide
Punch biopsy- DIfficult to judge depth and hard to heal
Elliptical excision- Allows better wound healing.