What it is:

Excision of a changing pigmented skin lesion or biopsy-proven melanoma

(NOTE: A surgical sampling, or biopsy, of lymph nodes is also performed in cases where the melanoma has extended deep into the skin)

People with a biopsy-proven melanoma or other changing pigmented skin lesion

* 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the size of the lesion and whether or not a lymph node biopsy is performed

Local, sedation, or general

No

Average is 1 to 2 days, if a lymph node biopsy is performed

Activity restrictions depend on the location of the skin lesion or melanoma

Yes

Depending on the size and location of the melanoma, a second procedure may be required once the biopsy report is available

* Times may vary since each case is unique

** Check with your health care provider about your specific restrictions