Dermatosurgery is also known as operative dermatology. It is a branch of dermatology that deals with the surgical treatment of the skin . In contrast to classical dermatology, dermatosurgery focuses on the removal of malignant tumors in the case of skin cancer. In many areas, dermatosurgery also overlaps with aesthetic and plastic medicine.
Below you will find further information on treatment options in surgical dermatology and dermatosurgery specialists.
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Article overview
Dermatosurgery - Further information
What is dermatosurgery?
Dermatosurgery deals with the removal of malignant tumors caused by skin cancer. Dermatosurgeonsalso treatbenign tumors, scars and skin changes.
The procedure is performed surgically.
Treatment with medication or ointments does not fall within the scope of dermatosurgery.
There is not always a medical indication for surgery: Skin surgery can also be performed for aesthetic reasons at the patient's request. Dermatosurgeons can, for example, remove congenital pigmentation marks that are harmless but which patients find disturbing.
Skin cancer can occur in many different forms @ Pixel-Shot /AdobeStock
Treatment spectrum of specialists in the field of dermatosurgery
The treatment spectrum of dermatosurgery is broad and includes a variety of procedures. Tumors can occur on any part of the body. Operations on the face, neck and back of the hand present a particular challenge.
There are few "skin reserves" on these parts of the body. The doctor must therefore operate with extreme precision.
The following operations are performed most frequently:
- Removal of benign and malignant skin tumors, such as melanoma and basal cell carcinoma
- Skin cancer operations
- Removal of moles
- Removal of tattoos
- Scar correction
- Removal of sweat gland abscesses
- Removal of bulbous noses
- Removal of coccyx fistulas
Performing procedures as part of dermatosurgery
The surgeon performs the procedure on an outpatient or inpatient basis. General anesthesia or local anesthesia may be used. This depends on the type and extent of the disease.
A microscopically controlled procedure is used to remove tumors. In this type of operation, the surgeon first removes the tumor.
A histopathologist then examines the excised tumor in the laboratory. If there are tumor extensions at the edge of the operation, the doctor performs a second operation.
Only then does the surgeon close the wound with the utmost precision so that the result is aesthetically pleasing. This type of surgery ensures optimal removal of the tumor as well as clean wound closure. The doctor spares the surrounding tissue and removes the malignant tumor tissue cleanly.
Dermatosurgery procedures are minimally invasive. Doctors are therefore able to remove scars and keloids (bulge scars). Thanks to a perfect incision and modern suturing techniques, the surgeon cuts out unsightly scars. He ensures that the scarring is more discreet.
If the surgeon removes a lot of tissue, skin flaps and skin grafts can be used. Scar care is particularly important in the first few weeks after the operation.
The patient must not put any strain on the scar and must treat it with special creams. Patients should also avoid direct sunlight and refrain from smoking after the procedure.
In the field of dermatosurgery, doctors also use the following treatment methods:
- Laser
- Cryosurgery (destruction of tissue through the use of extreme cold)
- Skin milling (microdermabrasion)
- Cauterization (peeling)
- Suction methods
Examination & diagnosis in the field of dermatosurgery
In dermatosurgery - just as in dermatology - a visual diagnosis is usually carried out first. The doctor uses skin changes to determine which disease is involved. The doctor may also palpate the skin. The surgeon usually uses a microscope to make an accurate diagnosis.
The histological findings play an important role. This takes place after the tumor has been excised. A specialist examines tissue samples under the microscope to determine the type of disease. Histology is important because it helps to determine whether there is inflammation or a tumor.
If a tumor is suspected, the attending physician will use the following diagnostic methods:
These methods are imaging procedures that help the doctor to determine whether the tumor has spread in the body.
Tumor markers in the blood can also indicate the presence of cancer.
Specialists for dermatosurgery
Patients have the opportunity to find a suitable doctor via the German Society for Dermatosurgery (DGDC). Many dermatosurgeons work in clinics or hospitals, while others work in private practice. As dermatosurgery is a multifaceted branch of medicine, the focus varies from doctor to doctor.
Conclusion
Dermatosurgery is a branch of dermatology. It overlaps to a large extent with the field of plastic and aesthetic medicine.
Dermatosurgeons deal with thesurgical removal of various skin changes.
The focus is clearly on the surgical removal of malignant tumors. However, dermatosurgery goes much further and also treats benign tumors, warts, scars, moles and other skin problems.
Depending on the disease, the doctor performs the operation on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Precision is extremely important in dermatosurgery in order to remove tumors cleanly.
Dermatosurgeons work in private practice as well as in clinics and hospitals. Patients can find a doctor through the German Society for Dermatosurgery or contact a clinic.
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References
https://www.apotheken.de/krankheiten/hintergrundwissen/4588-der-weg-zur-diagnose-in-der-dermatologie
https://www.uk-augsburg.de/zentren/hauttumorzentrum/angebote-und-leistungen/mikrographische-chirurgie
https://www.ukw.de/hautklinik/schwerpunkte/spezielle-therapien/dermatochirurgie/