Melanoma surgery
What is it?
Melanoma is a skin cancer that develops from pigment cells. Treatment relies first on surgery: the lesion is removed and analysed, then, if the diagnosis is confirmed, a wider excision is performed with a safety margin adapted to the thickness of the tumour (Breslow index).
Who is it for?
Anyone in whom a lesion suspected of being melanoma has been found, or whose diagnosis has been confirmed by analysis.
How it is done
First step: excision of the lesion and analysis. Second step if needed: re-excision with a safety margin. The case may be discussed at a multidisciplinary meeting.
Anaesthesia
Usually local anaesthesia.
Recovery
Local care of the scar; regular dermatological follow-up is then organised.
The result
Early treatment is decisive: a melanoma detected early is most often treated by surgery alone.
Risks
Like any procedure, this one carries risks that are rare but real (infection, haematoma, healing problems, asymmetry, reaction to anaesthesia...). They are explained in detail during the consultation, with written information.
Frequently asked questions
Why surgery in two steps?
The first procedure gives the diagnosis and measures the thickness; the safety margin of the second procedure depends on this result.
What is the Breslow index?
It is the thickness of the tumour measured under the microscope; it guides the re-excision margin and the follow-up.
Is it reimbursed?
Dr Stroumza-Escoffier is contracted with the French national health insurance: medical procedures are reimbursed at the official rates, purely cosmetic procedures are not.
Where does the procedure take place?
At the practice, 11 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris. Most procedures are performed under local anaesthesia and take less than 30 minutes.
I live abroad: how should I organise my trip?
Contact the practice by phone or e-mail. An examination in Paris is required; small lesions can often be removed during the same stay, and the laboratory results are sent to you.
See also
Book a consultation
11 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris · Monday to Friday