Dermatology

Outpatient operations & Dermatologic Surgery in Zurich

Cutaneous tumours present in various forms. Some are benign and primarily of cosmetic concern; others are malignant and require timely excision. At Swiss Derma Clinic, Zurich, we offer surgical removal of all relevant skin tumours. Procedures are performed on an outpatient basis using tissue-sparing techniques in line with the most advanced methods in dermatologic surgery.

Possible Causes of Skin Tumours

Skin tumours arise from altered cells within the skin. Common aetiological factors include:

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation (chronic sun exposure)
Genetic predisposition
Chronic cutaneous irritation or injury
Immunosuppression, e.g., after solid-organ transplantation

Not all skin lesions are malignant; nevertheless, any suspicious lesion should always be assessed by a specialist.

Types of Skin Tumours

Benign tumours: e.g., fibromas, lipomas, seborrhoeic keratoses, epidermoid (sebaceous) cysts
Malignant tumours: e.g., basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), malignant melanoma
Premalignant lesions (precancers): e.g., actinic keratoses, Bowen’s disease (SCC in situ)

Management is tailored to the individual diagnosis and determined by our medical team.

Surgical Excision at Swiss Derma Clinic

In our Zurich practice, tumour excision is performed:

Under local anaesthesia
Outpatient and minimally invasive
With Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) when indicated
With a cosmetically oriented, tension-free layered closure

All excised specimens are submitted for histopathological assessment in a specialised laboratory to confirm the diagnosis and to verify clear surgical margins.

Aftercare & Clinical Course

Wound check and suture removal after a few days
Histology report in approximately 1 week
If needed: additional follow-up or adjuvant treatment

For malignant skin tumours, we recommend regular surveillance, depending on tumour type.

Why Skin Cancer Screening Matters

When detected early, most skin cancers are highly treatable. Surgical excision alone is often curative. Therefore:

Seek evaluation for any new or changing skin lesion.
Pay attention to new naevi or moles that are evolving.
Attend regular skin cancer screening with your dermatologist.

Book your preventive screening appointment at Swiss Derma Clinic in Zurich.

Mohs Surgery for Skin Tumours in a Certified Operating Environment

For complex tumours—particularly in the facial region—we employ Mohs micrographic surgery. Dr med. R. Berger specialises in this technique, which entails layer-by-layer excision with immediate microscopic margin control. This maximises preservation of healthy tissue while ensuring complete tumour clearance.

Swiss Derma Clinic features a procedure room equipped to the highest Swiss standards and fully suited for ambulatory cutaneous oncologic surgery, ensuring safe procedures and comprehensive on-site aftercare.

FAQ

When should a skin lesion be surgically removed?

Whenever there is suspicion of malignancy or the diagnosis is unclear. Benign lesions may also be removed if they are symptomatic, recurrently inflamed, functionally bothersome, or cosmetically disturbing. Your dermatologist will decide based on clinical—and, if appropriate, dermatoscopic—assessment.

How can I recognise suspicious skin changes myself?

Warning signs include:

New macules, papules, or nodules
Asymmetry or irregular borders
Colour changes or multiple colours within a single lesion
Rapid growth, pruritus, bleeding, or crusting

In such cases, seek medical evaluation. The ABCDE rule is a helpful guide for self-examination.

What happens to the tissue that is removed?

Your specimen is sent to a specialised histopathology laboratory for microscopic examination to confirm the diagnosis. In malignant cases, the report will also indicate whether the tumour was completely excised and whether adequate safety margins were achieved.

How quickly should removal occur if skin cancer is suspected?

If skin cancer is suspected, you should contact your dermatologist promptly. Timely excision is critical, especially for melanoma. At Swiss Derma Clinic, indicated procedures are scheduled at short notice—usually within a few days of the presumptive diagnosis.

Which surgical methods are available?

In addition to standard excision, specialised procedures such as Mohs micrographic surgery can be used, for example for certain skin cancers in the facial area. Tumour tissue is removed sequentially and examined immediately under the microscope, with the goal of preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

How large will the scar be after tumour removal?

This depends on:

Size and location of the tumour
The surgical technique employed
Individual wound-healing characteristics

At Swiss Derma Clinic, we aim for an inconspicuous, low-tension closure to optimise cosmetic outcomes.

What aftercare is important following the procedure?

Protect the treated area for a few days
Attend regular wound checks
Practise photoprotection to support favourable scar maturation
Consider topical or silicone-based scar therapy as advised

Specific recommendations depend on individual healing and will be discussed during your follow-up visit in our Zurich practice.

Does health insurance cover the costs of tumour removal?

If the procedure is medically indicated (e.g., suspected skin cancer), mandatory basic health insurance in Switzerland generally covers the costs. For purely cosmetic removals (e.g., benign lesions without medical necessity), coverage may be available through supplementary insurance, or costs may be self-funded.

Our Q&A texts are by no means a substitute for a medical consultation. For an individual and well-founded medical assessment, we recommend a personal consultation at the Swiss Derma Clinic. We are happy to take the time for you!

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