Reconstructive surgery
TUMOUR REMOVAL – EFFECTIVE AND INDIVIDUAL OPTIONS
Tumours are growths that can form from almost any type of cell in the human body. Accordingly, there are many different types of tumours. In addition to skin tumours, there can also be bone or soft tissue tumours. While skin tumours are quickly visible, soft tissue and bone tumours are often felt as lumps, for example on the forearm or wrist. Pain, swelling and deformation of the bone can occur. Both skin tumours and soft tissue and bone tumours can be benign or malignant. The diagnosis is crucial for further treatment.
If a larger area of the body is affected by tumours, reconstruction following tumour removal may be necessary. Early planning after tumour removal is crucial for the success of skin reconstruction. If the surgeon has reconstruction in mind from the outset, it can often take place or be prepared during the tumour removal operation.
At the ETHIANUM Heidelberg, specialists from the fields of plastic reconstructive surgery, dermatology and aesthetic surgery work together on an interdisciplinary basis to treat skin tumours and soft tissue and bone tumours. Our focus is on your health and the most aesthetic end result possible after treatment.
We have compiled the most important information on the development and treatment options for skin tumours and soft tissue and bone tumours. You will also find compact information on the methods used by specialists for reconstructions following tumour removal.
Contact Us
Would you like to arrange a skin cancer screening? Or have you already been diagnosed with a tumour? We would also be happy to advise you on reconstructions following tumour removal. Get in touch with us. With just a few clicks, you can arrange your treatment appointment via our contact form or give us a call.
Reconstructive surgery
SKIN TUMOURS – HOW THEY DEVELOP AND WHEN THEY ARE DANGEROUS
Nerve cells, blood vessel cells, muscle cells, sebaceous and sweat gland cells, hair follicle cells and connective tissue cells are found in the different layers of the epidermis, dermis and subcutis. Each of these cells can degenerate, proliferate and multiply uncontrollably. This also explains the diversity of skin tumour types.
Benign skin tumours such as moles, haemangiomas, senile or flat warts, fibromas, lipomas etc. are usually only a nuisance. It may be advisable to remove them for aesthetic reasons.
In addition to these benign skin tumours, there are also malignant tumours that destroy tissue. Doctors then speak of black skin cancer (melanoma) or white skin cancer. If these malignant skin tumours remain untreated, they can colonise the entire body via blood and lymph channels.
Skin tumours – treatment options and surgical procedures
Whether a skin tumour is benign or malignant quickly becomes apparent during a skin cancer screening. A benign skin tumour can be removed at your request, e.g. for aesthetic reasons. If the skin tumour turns out to be malignant, there are also various options for removing it. However, a high level of skill is required when removing skin tumours.
Skin transplantation and localised flap surgery
Skin grafting is an option for closing a wound after tumour removal. The body’s own skin can grow optimally on wound tissue that is well supplied with blood. Removal sites for autologous tissue are often behind the ear or in the neck area.
Localised flap surgery can cover larger defects. The skin and subcutaneous tissue are detached from the area surrounding the defect and moved to close it. The skin flap is supplied either by a defined artery or by vessels in the skin layers.
The advantage of local flap plasty is a similar skin quality, as the plastic does not differ significantly from the removed skin. Optimal cosmetic results can be achieved thanks to localised flap plasty.
Removing skin tumours – two-stage surgery
Two-stage surgery to remove skin tumours is an option if it is not clear whether the tumour is benign or malignant. This procedure is also advisable for tumours of a certain size. In a two-stage operation, the tumour is first removed. And then it is analysed histologically. The resulting defect is initially only covered temporarily. In the case of larger tumours, tissue samples are taken.
If the tumour is benign, the wound can be closed. If the tumour is malignant, it is carefully checked. The edges of the incisions must consist exclusively of healthy cells. If further malignant cells are found at the edges under the microscope, a second operation must be performed. Only then is the wound finally closed.
Reconstructive surgery
SOFT TISSUE AND BONE TUMOURS – HOW THEY DEVELOP AND WHEN THEY ARE DANGEROUS
Tumours can also develop on soft tissue or bones, as they can form from almost any type of cell in the human body. Benign soft tissue and bone tumours are given their name depending on the tissue from whose cells they arise. There are lipomas, fibromas, myomas, osteochondromas and many others.
Malignant means that the tumour can metastasise, i.e. form metastases in other organs. A malignant soft tissue or bone tumour is also referred to as a “sarcoma”. Liposarcoma, for example, is a malignant tumour of fatty tissue, while osteosarcoma is a primary bone tumour that develops from bone material. More frequently, however, a bone tumour is the secondary tumour of a breast or lung cancer, for example. If this is the case, doctors refer to it as a secondary bone tumour.
SOFT TISSUE AND BONE TUMOURS – TREATMENT OPTIONS AND SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Smaller soft tissue and bone tumours can usually be completely removed in a simple operation. The larger the tumour, the more serious the resulting defect. If the tumour is malignant and an appropriate safety margin to healthy tissue must be maintained, defects may occur. These make reconstructive measures necessary.
Reconstructive surgery
RECONSTRUCTION AFTER TUMOUR – PROMISING TREATMENT METHODS
Free flap surgery
In the case of larger, deep defects, localised skin and tissue displacement techniques are not sufficient to close the defect. This is where free flap plasty comes into play. Free flaps are tissue such as muscle, skin or connective tissue. They are removed from a healthy area of the patient’s own body and close the skin defect. The success of a transplant depends on the blood supply to the transplanted tissue. Structures such as nerves and muscles must also be reconnected. Precision work for plastic surgeons and microsurgeons.
Vascular bone transfer for bone defects
Bone is a tissue that is well supplied with blood. Its bone cells, the osteocytes, make up the bone substance. These are supplied by their own blood vessel system. Smaller bone defects can be covered with bone that is not supplied with blood, e.g. from the iliac crest. If the defect is too large, bone with a blood supply is used. Here too, a good blood supply is essential for successful reconstruction after a tumour.
