Lesion excision with adjacent tissue transfer is a surgical procedure to remove unwanted growths or masses of tissue from the skin. Lesions develop for various reasons including tumors, viral infections, injuries, and more. Depending on the cause of the lesion, the excision approach will differ to achieve the desired result. For example, if the lesion is malignant, the surgeon will remove the lesion as well as the tissue surrounding it to ensure all cancerous material is removed. During an excision that requires adjacent tissue transfer, the surgeon will take healthy tissue to cover the wound to promote faster healing.

When is This Procedure Necessary?

Lesion excision with adjacent tissue transfer is considered medically necessary in cases where a lesion will not go away on its own or through conservative methods. This procedure is also recommended to patients if their tumor is suspected to be malignant and significant tissue removal is necessary. The decision to order a lesion excision typically involves a thorough assessment of the patient’s medical history, physical examinations, imaging studies, and biopsy results (if applicable). Additionally, the size and location of the lesion are taken into account when determining candidacy for this procedure.

What To Expect

Before the procedure, the surgeon will order imaging and diagnostic tests to determine the nature of the lesion. Local anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient’s comfort throughout the procedure. The surgeon will make an incision over the growth and then carefully remove it using specialized tools. If the lesion is suspected to be malignant, the surgeon will remove surrounding tissue to ensure all potentially cancerous material is removed. Next, the surgeon will take a healthy material and stitch it over the wound to promote faster healing.

The patient should expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the treated area immediately following the surgery. It is important to keep the surgical site clean and dry to prevent infection and to follow any post-operative care instructions provided by the healthcare provider.

Meet our Doctors