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Excision Techniques, Staples, and Sutures

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Skin Cancer Management

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Abstract

Excisions are one of the most commonly performed dermatologic procedures. It is estimated that more than 650,000 excisions are performed each year in the United States, with dermatologists accounting for about 58% of this number.1 Excisions are performed for a variety of reasons including diagnosis, the therapeutic removal of malignant and benign growths, as well as simply for improved appearance. While the vast majority of excisions are straightforward in nature, close attention to a few basic tenets will enhance both the efficiency of the procedure as well as overall cosmesis. This chapter will review the basic materials required for a successful excision as well as the most common excision and closure techniques.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Procedural Dermatology, Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA, USA

    Mollie A. MacCormack MD (Chief)

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  1. Mollie A. MacCormack MD
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  1. One Hermann Museum Circle , Houston, 77004, U.S.A.

    Deborah F. MacFarlane

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MacCormack, M.A. (2009). Excision Techniques, Staples, and Sutures. In: MacFarlane, D.F. (eds) Skin Cancer Management. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-88495-0_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-88495-0_10

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