Benign Skin Lesions

Fusiform Excision

What is a fusiform excision?
The fusiform excision technique is a simple way to remove tumors or growths from the skin or tissues below the skin. This procedure is usually done to determine whether or not a growth is cancerous.

Why don’t you just cut a circle around the tumor to remove it?
Not only do circular cuts remove less skin than the fusiform excision, they don't stitch close very well. The fusiform excision provides a good biopsy specimen and usually only leaves a thin, flat scar.

Are there any complications after this surgery?
Bleeding, bruising, or infection can occur in the wound, and the edges of the skin may die and result in a wider scar. Rarely do nerves or arteries below the skin become damaged from the procedure.

Will I feel any pain during this procedure?
Your skin will be numbed under and around the growth before the procedure. However, the other areas nearby will not be numbed, so in the rare event that you feel sharp pain, tell your doctor right away.

Will stitches be needed to close the wound?
Yes, and you will need to get them taken out later. Your doctor may also place absorbable stitches deep inside the wound to control bleeding, but those won’t need to be taken out since the body will absorb them.