Melanoma is often called the most aggressive form of skin cancer. It develops in the cells that produce melanin (the pigment responsible for your skin tone) and can spread quickly if not diagnosed and treated early. While hearing the word “melanoma” can be frightening, the good news is that prompt surgical intervention drastically improves outcomes. If you’re in Toronto or the surrounding areas, knowing where to turn and what to expect can ease a lot of stress.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk you through how melanoma is diagnosed, when surgery is necessary, and—most importantly—what to expect if you choose to undergo melanoma surgery at The Minor Surgery Center (TMSC). We’ll also delve into recovery tips, prevention strategies, and answer frequently asked questions about the procedure.
Melanoma begins in the melanocytes, the cells producing your skin’s pigment. Although it’s less common than basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma poses a greater risk of spreading (metastasizing) to other parts of the body, including organs.
Understanding the basics sets the stage for why prompt evaluation and treatment are crucial.
With melanoma, early detection can be the difference between a straightforward minor surgery and more complex interventions down the line. When caught in the earliest stages, a surgeon can often remove it with a minimal margin, and the procedure might be a same-day outpatient affair. If allowed to progress, melanoma can penetrate deeper layers of the skin or even spread beyond, requiring more extensive surgery, potential lymph node dissection, or other treatments like immunotherapy or radiation.
Key benefits of early intervention:
A thorough evaluation starts with:
Once your melanoma diagnosis is confirmed, you’ll likely meet with a surgical specialist (like the plastic surgeons at TMSC) to plan the next steps.
If your melanoma is in a stage where surgical removal is deemed the best course (which is common for localized or regionally advanced melanoma), your doctor will likely recommend:
These procedures aim to remove all cancer cells, preventing spread or recurrence. Even if your melanoma is more advanced, surgery often plays a role—either as a primary treatment or part of a combination approach (with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, etc.).
At The Minor Surgery Center in Toronto, you’re in the hands of board-certified plastic surgeons experienced in skin lesion and minor hand procedures, among others. Our philosophy revolves around delivering patient-centered care with:
Different surgical methods target melanoma, each chosen based on stage, location, and patient preference. The most common techniques are:
What It Entails
Your surgeon removes the primary tumor along with a margin of healthy skin, usually between 1 to 2 cm, depending on the Breslow depth of the lesion. This ensures that no residual cancer cells remain.
Recovery can be straightforward if the excision site is small. You’ll likely wear a dressing, keep the area clean, and watch for any signs of infection.
Purpose
To determine if melanoma has spread to nearby lymph nodes. If the tumor is more than 1 mm thick or exhibits certain aggressive features, your surgeon may recommend a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) during the wide local excision.
If your SLNB returns positive, or you have clinically enlarged nodes, a complete lymph node dissection might be recommended to reduce the likelihood of further spread.
Depending on the stage and pathology of your melanoma, your doctor might recommend:
However, surgery remains the primary curative approach for early-stage and localized melanoma, which is where The Minor Surgery Center steps in.
Preparation ensures the best outcomes and a smoother experience. Here’s how to get ready:
If you have questions, your surgical team is there to guide you through every detail.
Most wide local excisions for melanoma can be done under local anesthesia (sometimes with sedation). More extensive surgeries, like a lymph node dissection, might require general anesthesia. Rest assured, our team at TMSC focuses on keeping you comfortable, adjusting the anesthesia plan to fit your needs.
A simple wide local excision can be over in under an hour, especially for superficial melanomas. More complex cases—like deeper tumors or those requiring sentinel node biopsy—could take two to three hours.
During the procedure, you won’t feel pain thanks to anesthesia. Postoperatively, most patients describe mild to moderate discomfort around the incision. We typically recommend over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but stronger prescriptions can be provided if necessary.
Expertise is the cornerstone of The Minor Surgery Center. But beyond skill, we prioritize compassion, prompt access, and a comfortable environment. Here’s what sets us apart:
Once you’ve faced melanoma, prevention and early detection become lifelong priorities. Simple but significant measures include:
Q1: Will my surgery leave a significant scar?
A1: Scarring varies by location, size of the excision, and your personal healing tendencies. Our plastic surgeons aim for minimal scarring, often placing incisions along natural skin creases for less visible marks.
Q2: Is melanoma surgery covered by OHIP or private insurance?
A2: Generally, medically necessary procedures such as cancer surgery are covered by OHIP or private insurance plans in Canada. Cosmetic components aren’t always covered. It’s best to confirm with your insurance provider.
Q3: How painful is recovery?
A3: Discomfort after melanoma surgery is typically mild to moderate, easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Major procedures like lymph node dissections may cause more soreness and require a longer recovery.
Q4: Can I combine melanoma surgery with other skin lesion removals?
A4: In some cases, yes. If you have multiple suspicious lesions or benign growths you’d like removed, ask your surgeon if they can address these in the same session.
Q5: Do I need a referral to come to The Minor Surgery Center?
A5: For many minor surgical procedures, no referral is needed. You can contact us directly. However, if a referral is recommended by your GP or dermatologist, we’re happy to coordinate.
Q6: How quickly can I return to work?
A6: That depends on your job and the extent of the procedure. Some patients with desk jobs may resume work in just a few days, while others with physically demanding jobs might need 1-2 weeks off.
Q7: What if my melanoma is advanced?
A7: For advanced melanoma, surgery often pairs with other treatments like immunotherapy or targeted therapies. We’ll collaborate with oncologists to ensure a multidisciplinary approach.
Melanoma surgery can seem daunting, but swift, well-coordinated treatment is your best strategy for a positive outcome. By choosing a specialized clinic like The Minor Surgery Center in Toronto, you’re giving yourself access to board-certified plastic surgeons, streamlined wait times, and a supportive care team dedicated to your health and peace of mind.
Here’s a quick recap of the essential points:
Melanoma isn’t something to tackle alone—our goal is to guide and support you through every phase of treatment. If you’re concerned about a suspicious lesion or have a confirmed melanoma diagnosis, don’t wait. Reach out to The Minor Surgery Center in Toronto. We’re here to help you take that next step toward peace of mind and better health.
