Skin Lesion Removal UAE: Why Choose a General Surgeon?

Our skin, the body’s largest organ, is a dynamic shield, constantly renewing itself. However, it’s also susceptible to a variety of growths and marks known as skin lesions. While many are harmless, some can cause discomfort, affect appearance, or even signal underlying health concerns. When a skin lesion requires removal in the UAE, patients often wonder about the best type of medical professional to consult. 

While dermatologists are experts in skin conditions, General Surgeons offer a unique and comprehensive set of skills that make them an excellent choice for many skin lesion removal procedures. This in-depth guide explores why choosing a General Surgeon in the UAE, particularly at a reputable institution like MedCity Medical Center in Ras Al Khaimah with specialists like Dr. Heba Hamed, can be a beneficial decision for your skin health.

The UAE’s sunny climate, while enjoyable, also means prolonged exposure to UV radiation, a known risk factor for various skin lesions, including skin cancer. Therefore, timely and expert assessment and removal of suspicious or bothersome lesions are paramount.

Understanding Skin Lesions: More Than Just Skin Deep

Before delving into why a General Surgeon in Ras Al Khaimah is a strong choice, it’s crucial to understand what skin lesions are and their diverse nature. A skin lesion is any abnormal growth or patch of skin that does not resemble the skin around it. They can vary in color, size, shape, and texture.

Common Types of Skin Lesions:

Skin lesions can be broadly categorized, and understanding these categories helps in appreciating the scope of treatment required:

It’s crucial to note that any new, changing, or symptomatic lesion should be professionally evaluated to rule out malignancy.

“The accurate diagnosis of a skin lesion is the first and most critical step. Many benign lesions mimic cancerous ones, and vice-versa. A thorough clinical evaluation, sometimes supplemented by a biopsy, is essential before any removal procedure is planned.”

Why Entrust Your Skin Lesion Removal to a General Surgeon in the UAE?

While dermatologists are invaluable for diagnosing and medically managing skin conditions, General Surgeons bring a distinct set of advantages to the table, especially when surgical removal is indicated or suspected to be necessary.

1. Comprehensive Surgical Training and Expertise: General Surgeons undergo extensive and rigorous training covering a vast array of surgical procedures across different body systems, including the skin and soft tissues. This broad foundation equips them with:

    

   • In-depth Anatomical Knowledge: A profound understanding of skin layers, underlying muscles, nerves, and blood vessels is crucial for effective and safe lesion removal, especially for deeper or larger lesions. This knowledge helps minimize damage to surrounding structures and optimize healing.
   • Mastery of Surgical Principles: Core surgical principles such as asepsis (sterile technique), hemostasis (control of bleeding), precise tissue handling, and meticulous wound closure are ingrained in their practice. These are vital for preventing infection, reducing complications, and achieving superior cosmetic outcomes.
   • Versatility in Surgical Techniques: General Surgeons are adept at various excisional techniques, from simple elliptical excisions for benign moles to more complex wide local excisions required for skin cancers. They can adapt their approach based on the lesion’s type, size, depth, location, and whether it’s benign or malignant.
2. Diagnostic Acumen and Biopsy Capabilities: General Surgeons are skilled in clinical diagnosis and are proficient in performing biopsies.

    

   • Clinical Evaluation: They can assess lesions based on their appearance, patient history, and symptoms.
   • Biopsy Procedures: If a lesion is suspicious, a biopsy (removing a small sample of tissue for laboratory analysis) is often the definitive diagnostic step. General Surgeons can perform:
     • Shave Biopsy: Removing the outermost layers of the skin.
     • Punch Biopsy: Using a circular tool to remove a core of skin.
     • Incisional Biopsy: Removing a portion of a larger lesion.
     • Excisional Biopsy: Removing the entire lesion, which can be both diagnostic and therapeutic. This is often the preferred method if a lesion is highly suspicious or clearly benign and the patient desires complete removal in one go. The ability to perform an excisional biopsy means that in many cases, especially for smaller lesions, the diagnostic step and the complete removal can be accomplished in a single procedure, which is convenient for the patient.
3. Proficiency in a Wide Range of Excision Techniques: The choice of removal technique depends heavily on the nature of the lesion. General Surgeons are skilled in:

    

   • Simple Excision (Elliptical Excision): The most common method for removing moles, cysts, and smaller skin cancers. The lesion is cut out in an elliptical shape, and the skin edges are then sutured together.
   • Wide Local Excision (WLE): Used for confirmed skin cancers like melanoma, BCC, and SCC. This involves removing the cancerous lesion along with a surrounding margin of healthy tissue to ensure all cancer cells are eradicated. The width of this margin depends on the type and depth of the cancer.
   • Curettage and Electrodessication: Often used for superficial lesions like warts or some small BCCs. The lesion is scraped off with a curette, and then the base is treated with an electrical current to destroy remaining abnormal cells and control bleeding.
   • Management of Subcutaneous Lesions: Lipomas and deeper cysts often require careful dissection to remove the entire lesion while preserving overlying skin and surrounding structures. General Surgeons are well-versed in these dissections.
4. Optimal Management of Deeper or More Complex Lesions: Not all skin lesions are superficial. Some, like large cysts, deep lipomas, or invasive skin cancers, may involve tissues beneath the skin (subcutaneous tissue, fascia, or even muscle).

    

   • General Surgeons’ training allows them to confidently manage these deeper lesions, ensuring complete removal while minimizing risk to underlying structures.
   • They are also equipped to handle potential complications that might arise from removing larger or more complex lesions, such as requiring more extensive reconstruction or drain placement.
5. Emphasis on Aesthetic Wound Closure and Scar Management: A significant concern for patients undergoing skin lesion removal is the resulting scar. General Surgeons are acutely aware of this and employ techniques to achieve the best possible cosmetic outcome:

    

   • Strategic Incision Placement: Incisions are often planned along natural skin lines or creases (Langer’s lines) to make scars less noticeable once healed.
   • Layered Closure: For deeper excisions, surgeons often use a layered closure technique, suturing deeper tissues separately before closing the skin. This reduces tension on the skin edges, leading to finer scars.
   • Appropriate Suture Material and Techniques: Using fine sutures and meticulous suturing techniques helps minimize scarring.
   • Post-Procedure Scar Care Advice: Patients receive guidance on wound care and scar management strategies, such as silicone sheets or gels, massage, and sun protection, to optimize the scar’s appearance.
6. Hospital Privileges and Access to Advanced Facilities: Most General Surgeons in the UAE have admitting privileges at hospitals. While many skin lesion removals can be done in an outpatient clinic setting under local anesthesia, access to hospital facilities is crucial if:

    

   • The lesion is very large or in a difficult anatomical location.
   • The patient has underlying medical conditions that necessitate monitoring.
   • Sedation or general anesthesia is preferred or required.
   • More complex reconstructive techniques are needed post-removal.
7. Holistic Patient Assessment and Management: General Surgeons are trained to view the patient holistically. They consider the patient’s overall health, medications (like blood thinners), and any coexisting conditions that might influence the surgical plan or healing process. This comprehensive approach ensures patient safety and tailored care.
8. Efficiency and Streamlined Care Pathways: In many healthcare systems, including parts of the UAE, seeing a General Surgeon directly for a concerning skin lesion that is likely to require surgical removal can streamline the care process. If the lesion is clearly surgical, the General Surgeon can often assess, biopsy (if needed), and definitively treat the lesion, sometimes in fewer steps than a pathway involving multiple referrals.

“A General Surgeon’s skill set is particularly valuable for lesions requiring precise excision and careful wound closure, ensuring both complete removal and the best possible aesthetic result. This is true for benign lesions causing cosmetic concern and essential for malignant ones requiring clear margins.”

General Surgeon vs. Dermatologist for Skin Lesion Removal: A Comparative Perspective

Both General Surgeons and Dermatologists are highly skilled physicians who play vital roles in skin health. The choice between them often depends on the nature of the lesion and the primary treatment modality required.

It’s not always an “either/or” situation. Collaboration between dermatologists and general surgeons is common and often leads to the best patient outcomes. A dermatologist might diagnose a skin cancer and then refer the patient to a general surgeon for the definitive wide local excision and any further surgical management. Conversely, a general surgeon might remove a lesion that, upon histopathological examination, requires further dermatological surveillance.

In the UAE, accessibility and patient preference also play a role. For a lesion that is clearly benign but cosmetically bothersome and requires a neat surgical removal (e.g., a prominent facial cyst), a General Surgeon’s expertise in excision and wound closure is highly valuable.

The Process: What to Expect When Consulting a General Surgeon for Skin Lesion Removal

Understanding the journey can alleviate anxiety. Here’s a typical process:

1. Initial Consultation and Examination:
   • Medical History: The surgeon will discuss your medical history, including any previous skin issues, family history of skin cancer, medications, and allergies.
   • Lesion History: You’ll be asked about the lesion in question: when you first noticed it, any changes in size, shape, color, or texture, and any symptoms like itching, pain, or bleeding.
   • Physical Examination: The surgeon will carefully examine the lesion and the surrounding skin. They might use a dermatoscope, a handheld magnifying device that allows for better visualization of pigment patterns and structures within the lesion, aiding in differentiating benign from potentially malignant lesions.
   • Examination of Lymph Nodes: For suspicious lesions, nearby lymph nodes might be palpated.
2. Discussion of Diagnosis and Treatment Options:
   • Based on the examination, the surgeon will discuss their initial assessment.
   • If the lesion is clearly benign (e.g., a typical skin tag or lipoma), options might include no treatment or removal for cosmetic reasons or if it’s causing irritation.
   • If the lesion is suspicious or the diagnosis is uncertain, a biopsy will likely be recommended.
   • The surgeon will explain the recommended removal procedure, the type of anesthesia (usually local), potential risks and complications, and the expected outcome, including scarring.
3. The Removal Procedure:
   • Informed Consent: You will be asked to sign a consent form after all your questions have been answered.
   • Preparation: The area around the lesion will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
   • Anesthesia: Local anesthesia will be injected around the lesion to numb the area. You will be awake but should not feel pain during the procedure.
   • Excision: The surgeon will use precise surgical instruments to remove the lesion according to the chosen technique (e.g., elliptical excision). For suspicious lesions, a margin of normal-appearing skin will also be taken.
   • Hemostasis: Any bleeding will be controlled using electrocautery or sutures.
   • Wound Closure: The wound will be closed, often in layers, with sutures (stitches). The type of sutures depends on the depth and location of the wound. Some sutures are absorbable and dissolve on their own, while others need to be removed later.
   • Dressing: A sterile dressing or bandage will be applied.
4. Histopathology (Laboratory Analysis):
   • Crucial Step: Any excised tissue that is suspicious, or often as a routine measure even for apparently benign lesions, will be sent to a pathology laboratory.
   • Microscopic Examination: A pathologist will examine the tissue under a microscope to determine its exact nature (benign, precancerous, or cancerous) and, if cancerous, its type, grade, and whether the removal margins are clear of abnormal cells.
   • Results: The results typically take several days to a week.
5. Post-Procedure Care and Follow-Up:
   • Instructions: You will receive detailed instructions on wound care, including how to keep the area clean and dry, when to change dressings, and signs of infection to watch for (redness, swelling, pus, fever).
   • Pain Management: Some discomfort is normal and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
   • Activity Restrictions: You might be advised to avoid strenuous activity or stretching the area for a period to allow for proper healing.
   • Suture Removal: If non-absorbable sutures were used, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled for their removal, usually 7-14 days later, depending on the location.
   • Discussing Pathology Results: The surgeon will discuss the pathology report with you.
     • If benign and margins are clear, no further treatment is usually needed.
     • If malignant, further steps (e.g., wider excision if margins weren’t adequate, referral to an oncologist, or regular surveillance) will be discussed.
   • Scar Care: Advice on minimizing the scar’s appearance will be provided once the wound has fully healed.

Skin Lesion Removal at MedCity Medical Center, Ras Al Khaimah with Dr. Heba Hamed

For residents of Ras Al Khaimah and the Northern Emirates, MedCity Medical Center offers a high standard of care for various medical and surgical needs, including the diagnosis and removal of skin lesions.

MedCity’s Approach to Patient Care:

MedCity Medical Center is committed to providing patient-centered care in a modern and welcoming environment. Their ethos typically revolves around:

• Comprehensive Services: Offering a range of specialties under one roof, facilitating coordinated care.
• Experienced Medical Professionals: Employing qualified and experienced doctors and support staff.
• Advanced Technology: Utilizing up-to-date medical equipment for diagnosis and treatment.
• Patient Comfort and Education: Ensuring patients are well-informed and comfortable throughout their treatment journey.

General Surgery Services for Skin Lesions at MedCity:

Within its General Surgery department, MedCity is equipped to handle a wide spectrum of skin lesions. Services typically include:

• Expert Consultation and Diagnosis: Thorough evaluation of all types of skin lesions.
• Biopsy Services: Performing shave, punch, and excisional biopsies for accurate histopathological diagnosis.
• Surgical Removal of Benign Lesions: Including moles, cysts (epidermoid, sebaceous, pilar), lipomas, skin tags, and other common growths for medical or cosmetic reasons.
• Surgical Management of Precancerous and Cancerous Lesions: Performing excisions for actinic keratoses, basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and melanomas, adhering to best practice guidelines for margin clearance.
• Advanced Wound Closure Techniques: Focusing on minimizing scarring and promoting optimal healing.
• Personalized Post-Operative Care Plans: Tailored advice and follow-up to ensure smooth recovery.

Dr. Heba Hamed: Expertise in General Surgery at MedCity RAK

Dr. Heba Hamed is a valued member of the surgical team at MedCity Medical Center, Ras Al Khaimah. As a skilled General Surgeon, Dr. Hamed brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate approach to patient care. Her expertise relevant to skin lesion removal includes:

• Extensive Surgical Skills: Dr. Hamed is proficient in a comprehensive range of general surgical procedures, including the precise excision of various skin and subcutaneous lesions.
• Diagnostic Acumen: She possesses the clinical skills to assess skin lesions, determine the need for biopsy, and interpret findings in conjunction with pathologists.
• Patient-Centered Philosophy: Dr. Hamed is known for her dedication to patient well-being, taking the time to explain conditions and treatment options clearly, addressing patient concerns, and ensuring they feel comfortable and informed.
• Focus on Aesthetic Outcomes: While prioritizing complete and safe lesion removal, Dr. Hamed is also mindful of the cosmetic impact, employing meticulous surgical techniques to optimize scar appearance.
• Commitment to Best Practices: She adheres to international standards and evidence-based guidelines in her surgical practice, ensuring patients receive high-quality care.

“Choosing a surgeon like Dr. Heba Hamed at MedCity means entrusting your care to a professional who combines surgical precision with a genuine concern for your overall health and aesthetic outcome. Her approach is tailored to each patient’s unique needs and lesion characteristics.”

Patients considering skin lesion removal at MedCity with Dr. Heba Hamed can expect a thorough evaluation, a clear discussion of their options, and skilled surgical care aimed at achieving the best possible medical and cosmetic results.

Preventing Skin Lesions & When to Seek Urgent Care in the UAE

While not all skin lesions are preventable (e.g., genetic predisposition to moles), many, particularly those related to sun exposure, can be minimized.

Sun Safety in the UAE – A Non-Negotiable:

• Seek Shade: Especially during peak UV hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Protective Clothing: Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: Use SPF 30+ (ideally SPF 50+) generously on all exposed skin, reapplying every two hours, and after swimming or sweating. Don’t forget lips, ears, and the back of the neck.
• Sunglasses: Choose UV-protective sunglasses to shield your eyes and the delicate skin around them.
• Avoid Tanning Beds: They are a significant source of harmful UV radiation.

Importance of Self-Examination: Perform a monthly head-to-toe skin self-examination to look for:

• New moles or growths.
• Changes in the size, shape, color, or texture of existing moles.
• Sores that don’t heal.
• Any lesion that bleeds, itches, or is tender.

Red Flag Symptoms (ABCDEs of Melanoma and Other Warning Signs): Seek prompt medical attention if you notice:

• Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.
• Border irregularity: Edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.
• Color variation: Presence of multiple colors (shades of brown, black, tan, red, white, or blue).
• Diameter: Larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller.
• Evolving: The mole changes in size, shape, color, elevation, or develops new symptoms like bleeding, itching, or crusting.
• The “Ugly Duckling” sign: A mole that looks different from your other moles.
• Any rapidly growing lesion.
• A lesion that bleeds spontaneously or with minor trauma.
• A sore that fails to heal within a few weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)