Baltic American Clinic performs surgical operations to remove certain skin and subcutaneous growths, lymph nodes and tumours in other locations. Surgical treatment may be needed when a suspicious growth is found, after assessing its growth, symptoms and diagnostic test results. Operations to remove benign tumours are also performed at the clinic. In each case, the need for treatment, the extent of the operation and the next steps are decided individually.
Based on the nature and location of the growth and the diagnostic test results.
When it is needed to confirm the diagnosis and plan further treatment.
When the type of operation requires post-operative monitoring and nursing.
From the consultation and preparation for surgery to recovery and discussion of the test results.
Which tumour removal operations are performed?
Removal of skin and subcutaneous growths
Excision of skin and subcutaneous tissue lesions
Excision is the surgical removal of tissue, in which a skin or subcutaneous growth or an area of altered tissue is cut out.
The operation may be performed for benign, suspicious or certain malignant skin growths when surgical removal is an appropriate treatment.
When may surgery be needed?
- When a skin growth is getting bigger or changing colour, shape or structure.
- When a growth bleeds, ulcerates or causes other symptoms.
- When diagnostic tests reveal suspicious changes.
- When a growth causes discomfort or needs to be removed and examined.
Types of operation performed:
- Small excision of a skin and subcutaneous tissue lesion.
- Large excision of a skin and subcutaneous tissue lesion.
How is the operation performed?
The surgeon removes the growth or the area of altered tissue. How much tissue is removed depends on the size and location of the growth, the suspected diagnosis and other medical factors.
When needed, the removed tissue is sent for histological examination.
After the operation the wound is stitched or covered according to the chosen treatment method. If a larger area of tissue is removed, additional wound closure techniques may be needed.
What to expect after the operation?
During healing there may be mild pain, swelling or a feeling of tightness. The doctor gives advice on wound care and tells you when a follow-up visit is needed.
Surgical removal of moles
Mole excision
Mole excision is a surgical procedure in which a pigmented skin growth is removed.
Not every mole needs to be removed. However, surgical removal may be recommended when a growth raises suspicion of malignancy, is changing or causes symptoms.
When may the procedure be needed?
- When a mole changes size, shape or colour.
- When there is bleeding, oozing or other unusual signs.
- When the doctor finds suspicious dermatoscopic features.
- When histological examination of the growth is needed.
How is the procedure performed?
The mole is removed surgically. Depending on the suspected diagnosis, appropriate removal margins and a wound closure method are chosen.
If melanoma or another malignant skin tumour is suspected, it is important that the removal and histological examination plan follows the principles of cancer diagnostics.
The procedure leaves a surgical wound and later a scar, whose size and visibility depend on the location of the growth, the extent of removal and individual healing.
Lymph node operations
Lymph node removal
Lymph node removal is an operation in which one or more lymph nodes are removed.
Enlarged lymph nodes may be associated with infections, inflammatory diseases, blood disorders or cancer.
Surgical removal may be needed to determine the cause of changes in a lymph node or as part of an individually planned treatment.
When may surgery be needed?
- When a lymph node stays enlarged and the cause of the changes is unclear.
- When diagnostic tests raise suspicion of a malignant disease.
- When histological examination of lymph node tissue is needed.
- When other medical indications for surgical removal are found.
How is the operation performed?
During the operation the surgeon removes the planned lymph node or nodes. The surgical approach depends on their location and the extent of the operation.
The removed tissue may be sent for histological and, if needed, additional examination.
After the operation there may be pain, swelling or temporary tenderness. The type of possible complications depends on the location of the lymph nodes and the amount of tissue removed.
Breast tumour operations
Removal of a benign breast tumour
This is an operation in which a diagnosed benign breast growth is removed.
Benign breast tumours can be of various types. One of the more common is fibroadenoma, but not every such growth needs surgery.
When may surgery be needed?
- When the growth is getting bigger or causes discomfort.
- When diagnostic test results are not clear enough.
- When changes are found for which surgical removal is recommended.
- When, after assessing the individual situation, surgical treatment is the most suitable option.
How is the operation performed?
The surgeon removes the growth, aiming to preserve as much of the surrounding healthy breast tissue as possible.
The extent of the operation and the location of the incision depend on the size and location of the growth and other anatomical factors.
The removed growth is usually sent for histological examination.
What to expect after the operation?
After the operation there may be tenderness, swelling or mild pain in the breast. The healing time depends on the size of the removed growth and the extent of the operation.
Peripheral nervous system tumour operations
Removal of a peripheral nervous system tumour
Peripheral nervous system tumours are growths that form in nerves or in tissues related to them.
They may be benign or malignant. Depending on the location, the tumour may cause pain, numbness, sensory disturbances or muscle weakness.
When may surgery be needed?
- When the tumour is getting bigger or causes symptoms.
- When the growth presses on a nerve and impairs its function.
- When diagnostic tests raise suspicion of malignancy.
- When the doctor finds indications for surgical removal.
How is the operation performed?
During the operation the neurosurgeon removes the growth while preserving the structure and function of the nerve as far as possible.
The complexity of the operation depends on the size and location of the tumour and its relationship to the nerve structures.
The removed tissue may be sent for histological examination.
What to expect after the operation?
After the operation there may be temporary pain, numbness or changes in sensation. Recovery of nerve function depends on the damage present before the operation, the extent of the operation and individual factors.
How to prepare for tumour removal surgery
Before the operation the doctor assesses the growth that has been found, the diagnostic test results, possible treatment alternatives and your general state of health.
- Diagnostic tests. Depending on the nature of the growth, ultrasound, radiological, laboratory, biopsy or other tests may be needed.
- Confirming the diagnosis. If a malignant disease is suspected, additional tests and agreement on the treatment plan may be needed before the operation.
- Medicines. Tell the doctor about all the medicines and food supplements you take, especially those that affect blood clotting.
- Chronic conditions and allergies. Tell us about any conditions, allergies and previous reactions to anaesthesia.
- Infections. If you develop a fever or other signs of an acute infection before the operation, inform the clinic.
- Food and drink. If anaesthesia is planned, follow the doctor’s instructions.
- Getting home. If you will not be able to drive after the operation, arrange for someone to accompany you.
Important: do not stop prescribed medicines on your own. Any changes to them must be agreed with the doctor.
Anaesthesia during the operation
Local, regional or general anaesthesia may be used for operations to remove tumours and other growths.
Smaller operations to remove skin or subcutaneous growths can often be performed under local anaesthesia.
More complex operations or operations on deeper growths may require general anaesthesia.
The method of anaesthesia is chosen individually, taking into account the type and duration of the operation and your state of health.
Inpatient stay and care after the operation
After the operation your well-being, vital signs, the condition of the operated area and possible signs of post-operative bleeding are monitored.
After smaller operations outpatient care may be enough, while more complex operations may require monitoring in the clinic’s inpatient ward.
Before you leave, you are given advice on:
- Care of the surgical wound.
- Taking medicines and pain control.
- Restrictions on physical activity.
- Returning to work and normal activities.
- Follow-up visits.
- Discussing the results of the histological examination, if one was performed.
- Signs that require you to seek medical help urgently.
Recovery after tumour removal surgery
The length of recovery depends on the size and location of the removed growth, the extent of the operation and individual characteristics of the body.
After removal of skin and subcutaneous growths there may be mild pain, tightness or swelling. During healing it is important to follow the wound care advice.
After lymph node removal there may be tenderness or swelling in the operated area. In some cases longer monitoring may be needed, depending on the amount of tissue removed.
After removal of a benign breast tumour there may be temporary tenderness, swelling or bruising of the breast. The doctor gives individual advice on physical activity and wound care.
After removal of a peripheral nervous system tumour longer monitoring of neurological function may be needed. Recovery of sensory or muscle function depends on the condition of the nerve and the extent of the operation.
Histological examination results. If the removed tissue is sent for histological examination, the results help to establish the final diagnosis and whether further treatment or monitoring is needed.
Important: if after the operation you have heavy bleeding, rapidly increasing swelling, a fever, increasing pain or any other sudden change in your health, you must seek medical help.
Frequently asked questions
Is every tumour malignant?
No. Tumours may be benign or malignant. The nature of a growth is determined by clinical assessment, imaging and, when needed, histological examination.
Do all skin growths have to be removed?
No. Some benign growths can be monitored. Surgical removal is recommended when a growth causes symptoms, is changing, raises suspicion of malignancy or other medical indications are found.
Is a biopsy always needed before tumour removal surgery?
Not always. In some cases the whole growth is removed and then examined histologically. In other cases a biopsy must be performed before the operation to establish the diagnosis. The test plan depends on the nature and location of the growth.
Is a removed growth always sent for histological examination?
This depends on the nature of the growth and the medical indications. When a malignant disease is suspected, histological examination is especially important to confirm the diagnosis and plan further treatment.
Can the disease come back after a tumour is removed?
Yes, in some cases. The risk of recurrence depends on the type of tumour, its biological characteristics, the extent of removal and other factors.
Does an enlarged lymph node mean cancer?
No. Lymph nodes often become enlarged because of infections or inflammation. However, lymph nodes that stay enlarged for a long time, keep growing or show other suspicious signs must be assessed by a doctor.
Is additional treatment needed after a lymph node is removed?
This depends on the results of the histological examination and the diagnosis. In some cases monitoring is enough, in others additional tests or treatment may be needed.
Can a benign breast tumour become malignant?
This depends on the type of growth. Most benign breast growths do not become malignant, but certain changes may be associated with a higher risk or require further examination.
Will there be a scar after a skin tumour is removed?
Yes. A scar usually remains at the site of surgical removal. Its size and visibility depend on the extent of the operation, the location of the growth and individual healing.
May chemotherapy or radiotherapy be needed after the operation?
If a malignant disease is diagnosed, the need for additional treatment depends on the type and stage of the tumour, its histological features and other factors. Further treatment is planned according to the treatment guidelines for the specific cancer.
When can I return to work after tumour removal surgery?
This depends on the type and extent of the operation, the course of recovery and the type of work. The doctor gives individual advice.
Price of tumour removal surgery
Prices of operations to remove tumours and other growths are set according to Baltic American Clinic’s current price list.
The final price depends on the location and size of the growth, the extent and complexity of the operation and the medical supplies used.
Anaesthesia, inpatient care, post-operative nursing, additional tests and other services, if they are not included in the price of the operation, are charged separately according to the current price list.
Before the operation, your individual treatment plan, the planned extent of the operation and the costs are discussed with you.