In most cases, surgical excision is aimed at completely removing a skin lesion. This can either be a proven or suspected skin cancer, or a benign (harmless) lesion that is removed for medical or cosmetic reasons.
Depending on the type of lesion, a certain margin around the visible lesion is marked to get the best change of complete removal. Then, the area will be numbed by injection of local anaesthetic and excised. The lesion will normally be sent off for histology. This means that the tissue is sent to a laboratory, where several cross-sections are cut through the tissue which are examined under the microscope by a pathologist. The process takes several days after which a report is sent back to your dermatologist stating the result.
This result assists with making the correct diagnosis and/or indicate the likelihood of complete removal. This process is different from Mohs surgery in which tissue is processed on the same day and importantly, the true margins are examined instead of cross sections through the tissue.
This information is for guidance only and is not a substitute for a medical consultation.
For more information
https://www.dermnetnz.org/