Minor Surgery in Cardiff and the Vale

The three categories of skin lesion are: 

1). Skin lesions that can be removed by shave excision: 

• Skin tags – Painless, skin-coloured, harmless growth of normal tissue that typically occur in area of increased skin to skin friction (e.g. armpit, neck, groin). Vary in size from 1-5mm and are often multiple. 

• Seborrheic keratosis – lesions that appear to be warty plaques “stuck on” to the skin, usually yellow to dark brown in colour classically found on the back, chest, neck and face.

2). Benign skin lesions that required surgical removal and suturing: 

• Lipoma – Painless, soft doughy consistency deep to the skin surface, usually 2-10cm in size but some can get considerably larger. 

• Epidermoid (sebaceous) cyst – A firm, skincoloured lump just below the skin surface. Range in size from 0.5-5cm, commonly found on the scalp, shoulders, back and chest . 

• Dermatofibroma – Painless, firm lesion deep to the skin surface usually around 0.5-1cm in size and slightly elevated.

3). Skin lesions that are either pre-cancerous or a suspected cancer: 

• Basal cell carcinoma – Also known as a rodent ulcer, these lesions have the appearance of a sore that will not heal or a skin lesion that grows, bleeds or develops into an ulcer. Common in sun exposed areas (e.g. shoulders, face, scalp), they are usually slow growing, and removal resolves the risk. 

• Cutaneous horn – Raised rough, firm, horn like skin lesion usually found growing on sun exposed sites. Can arise from a skin cancer. 

• Actinic (solar) keratosis – A type of skin lesion found in sun exposed areas (e.g. face, forearms, scalp) they have a variable appearance but are often scaly, dark coloured, thickened patches of skin that if not treated can turn into a skin cancer. 

• Bowen’s disease – Well-defined pink and scaly patches or plaques that often become crusty, cracked or ulcerated. Slow growing in sun exposed areas. If not treated can turn into a skin cancer. 

We make the experience as straightforward as possible with just one appointment: 

1). Pre-Operation Assessment: 

• An examination of the lesion and a detailed explanation of the procedure, what to expect and the cost.

2). Procedure: 

• Performed in our fully equipped operative suite. 

• Once completed, you’ll go home with appropriate dressings, pain relief and aftercare instructions. 

3). Follow-Up Appointments Only If Needed 

• Only if suture need to be removed will you need to come back to the clinic usually 5-10 days following your surgery.