Considerations revolve around the extent of the local and regional nodal surgery for stages I through III.
If the patient has enlarged lymph nodes or the depth of the tumor has led to the evaluation by CAT scan showing enlarged nodes, resection of the nodes will be considered.
The problems associated with the resection of regional lymph nodes are those of lifelong edema or swelling in the extremity.
Surgical therapy for the primary site is that of wide local removal of the skin including subcutaneous tissue surrounding the lesion.
Though it does not occur in all patients (5% to 20%, depending on the extremity and extent of the dissection), it can be a disabling symptom.
If it could be ascertained that there was disease in the nodes, resection (removal) would be appropriate. However, if there was no disease, the risk of edema should be avoided.
The patient's overall health must also be considered. Poor general health will affect the ophthalmologic surgery outcome.
In patients with no signs of regional disease, depth of penetration of the primary tumor helps guide the decision.
That is where he had surgery from his melanoma.
It depends on the type of melanoma. If treated early it can be cured by surgery.
Malignant tumors
The patient is not tested for HIV prior to surgery.
Preparing for surgery helps the patient understand what to expect before surgery and ensures the patient is physically and psychologically ready for the surgery.