Surgical Treatment of 846 Patients with Benign Skin Tumors: Experience of a Dermatologic Surgeon in Korea.
- Author:
Byung Ho OH
1
;
Jimyung SEO
;
Kee Yang CHUNG
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Severance Hospital, Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. kychung@yuh.ac
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Benign skin tumors;
Surgical treatments
- MeSH:
Aging;
Coinfection;
Epidermal Cyst;
Forehead;
Humans;
Incidence;
Inflammation;
Korea;
Lipoma;
Necrosis;
Recurrence;
Retrospective Studies;
Skin*;
Suppuration
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2015;53(3):202-208
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: The incidence of skin tumors has been increasing over the past few years due to an aging population, environmental changes, and improved access to medical institutions. OBJECTIVE: To report the rate of relapse and complications after surgical treatment, and suggest appropriate ways of treating benign skin tumors. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 846 patients with benign skin tumors who were diagnosed and treated by a single dermatosurgeon. RESULTS: Of the 846 patients, 18 (2.1%) developed local recurrence. Epidermal cysts (15/390) were the most common skin condition, followed by lipomas (2/149). The recurrence rate of epidermal cysts showed no statistical difference when treatment options and the presence of inflammation or suppuration at the first visit were considered. Six patients (0.7%, 6/846) had one of the complications such as persistent inflammation over one month, severe pain, secondary infection, or skin necrosis. All the lipomas following recurrence or those with complications were located in the intramuscular or submuscular area of the forehead, which were easily localized by sonography. CONCLUSION: Surgery is a valuable method for the treatment of benign skin tumors with low rates of complication and relapse. For better outcomes after treatment, dermatologists should attempt to remove these tumors completely and consider the use of imaging studies before treatment.
