DERMATOLOGICAL SURGERY
A key focus is outpatient surgery for benign and malignant skin tumors.
Non-melanoma skin cancer
This includes basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These malignant tumors grow into surrounding tissue and may form ulcers. Basal cell carcinoma rarely metastasizes, whereas squamous cell carcinoma may spread in advanced stages. Non-melanoma skin cancer can often be removed completely. Usually, a simple excision under local anesthesia, with suturing of the resulting wound, is sufficient. In certain cases, where the tumor is very superficial, it can be treated with cryotherapy or with a topical cream applied over several weeks. If the tumor is in a sensitive area (e.g., nose, ears, lips), is poorly defined, or shows histological extensions, margin-controlled surgery is the preferred method for removal. This technique allows precise localization and removal of any remaining tumor tissue before the defect is closed.
Malignant melanoma
The prognosis for malignant melanoma depends significantly on the stage at which it is detected and treated. For individuals at risk, regular monitoring and early detection are critical. Early-stage melanomas can generally be cured through excision with a small safety margin. For more advanced stages, excision with a wider margin is often necessary, and additional medication therapies may be required, significant innovations and advancement have been made in recent years.
Moles
Moles can usually be removed relatively easily under local anesthesia. If removal is recommended by the doctor to rule out early-stage melanoma, the costs are covered by the health insurance. If removal is done for cosmetic reasons or at the patient’s request, the cost, approximately CHF 250 to CHF 450 per mole, must be covered by the patient. This is discussed with you beforehand.
Margin-controlled surgery for skin tumors with defect reconstruction
Margin-controlled surgery is a surgical technique that ensures complete removal of skin tumors. It is most commonly used for non-melanoma skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) and for melanoma.
The aim of margin-controlled surgery is to remove the entire skin cancer without damaging the surrounding healthy skin. Once the skin tumor is completely removed, defect reconstruction follows. Depending on the defect size and location, this may involve direct closure or the transfer of surrounding skin tissue (flap technique).