What the procedure involves
Excision means removing a lesion by cutting it away. Fulguration uses a fine electrical current to destroy abnormal tissue at the surface. The two are often used together: the lesion is removed, and the base is treated to reduce the chance of it returning.
Both are done in the office under local anaesthetic. Most appointments take well under an hour, and you walk out the same day.
What can be treated
- Genital warts (condyloma) on the penis, scrotum or groin
- Skin tags and small benign growths
- Cysts and other lumps in the genital skin
- Persistent or changing lesions that need a closer look
Why lesions are worth having assessed
Most genital skin lesions are harmless. But some are infectious and can be passed to a partner, some recur if they are not treated properly, and a small number need to be examined more carefully to rule out anything serious. Having a urologist look at it is the quickest way to know which one you are dealing with.
If there is any question about what a lesion is, tissue can be sent to the laboratory for analysis, and Dr. Mattar will review the results with you.
What to expect on the day
- The area is cleaned and numbed with local anaesthetic. You will feel a pinch as it goes in, then pressure rather than pain.
- The lesion is removed and, where appropriate, the base is treated.
- A small dressing is applied. Stitches are not always needed.
- Every step is explained before it happens.
Afterwards
- Keep the area clean and dry for the first 24 hours, then wash gently with mild soap.
- Some tenderness, mild swelling and scabbing are normal while the skin heals.
- Over-the-counter pain medication is usually enough for the first day or two.
- Avoid sexual activity until the area has healed, and follow any specific advice you are given.
Contact the office if
- Bleeding does not settle with gentle pressure.
- Pain increases after the first few days rather than easing.
- The area becomes increasingly red, swollen or starts to discharge.