Melanoma surgery: what was new in September 2024

If you or a loved one is facing melanoma surgery, you want clear, practical info. This month we covered how surgical options are shifting toward smaller scars, better staging, and faster recoveries. Read on to learn what to expect in the operating room, how doctors decide on the approach, and simple steps you can take to heal well.

What to expect during surgery

Most early melanomas are treated with a wide local excision. That means the surgeon removes the tumor plus a small rim of healthy skin to lower the chance of return. The exact margin depends on tumor thickness, and your surgeon will explain the size based on biopsy results. If the melanoma is deeper, a sentinel lymph node biopsy is often recommended to check if cancer spread to nearby nodes. This test uses a dye and a tiny probe to find the first draining node and only removes that node instead of a large lymph dissection.

Minimally invasive approaches are improving how that node is found and removed. For facial or hand lesions, reconstructive techniques aim to preserve function and appearance. Surgeons now plan closures and grafts more carefully so wounds heal faster and look better.

Recovery and follow-up made simple

Expect a short recovery after a simple excision: most people go home the same day. If you had a sentinel node biopsy, recovery may add a few days of lower activity. Keep the wound clean and dry until your surgeon tells you to shower normally. Watch for increasing redness, pus, or fever — those are signs to call your clinic.

Activity limits are usually mild: avoid heavy lifting for one to two weeks if the wound is over joint or after a larger reconstruction. Pain is commonly controlled with acetaminophen or a short course of stronger pain meds if needed. Your doctor will set a follow-up schedule to check healing and plan any extra treatment like immunotherapy or targeted therapy if nodes were involved.

Before surgery, ask these direct questions: What margin will you take and why? Will I need a sentinel node biopsy? How will the wound be closed, and what will the scar likely look like? What signs of complications should I watch for? Knowing the answers helps reduce stress and speeds recovery.

After surgery, protect the area from sun — UV exposure raises the risk of new skin cancers and worsens scar color. Set a skin-check routine: monthly self-checks and a follow-up with a dermatologist as recommended. If immunotherapy or targeted drugs are suggested, your surgical team will connect you with medical oncology to discuss timing and side effects.

September’s posts focused on clearer staging, smaller scars, and practical recovery steps. If you want, we can summarize specific surgical techniques or make a printable checklist for pre-op questions and post-op care.