I'm considering having a mole removed near my eye using the electrocautery method. The doctor informed me that since the mole is close to my eye, he will not use an anesthetic. Can someone tell me how painful this is likely to be? Thanks.
Answer: Electrocautery, No Anesthesia? Why? Mole removal via electrocautery without anesthesia sounds like something used in a Medieval torture chamber, not a treatment done in a Surgeon's office. It is a bad idea from an oncologic standpoint as mentioned (margins cannot be determined) and a bad idea from an analgesia standpoint (Lidocaine works very well and is very inexpensive).
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Answer: Electrocautery, No Anesthesia? Why? Mole removal via electrocautery without anesthesia sounds like something used in a Medieval torture chamber, not a treatment done in a Surgeon's office. It is a bad idea from an oncologic standpoint as mentioned (margins cannot be determined) and a bad idea from an analgesia standpoint (Lidocaine works very well and is very inexpensive).
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January 5, 2010
Answer: WE do do generally advise electrocautery for mole removal We generally do not advise mole removal by the electrocaustery method. One of the reasons for mole removal is to evaluate for the presence of disease (benign or malignant). Electrcautery destroys the lesion completely and does not provide for a specimen. Secondly, the mole typically extends to the dermis and electrocautery at the dermal level can produce scarring.
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January 5, 2010
Answer: WE do do generally advise electrocautery for mole removal We generally do not advise mole removal by the electrocaustery method. One of the reasons for mole removal is to evaluate for the presence of disease (benign or malignant). Electrcautery destroys the lesion completely and does not provide for a specimen. Secondly, the mole typically extends to the dermis and electrocautery at the dermal level can produce scarring.
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Answer: Cauterization without anesthetic I see red flags. If the lesion us near the eye, anesthesic agents should be used. I know of no plastic surgeon who charges for local anesthesia. I would not perform a procedure without appropriate anesthetics and you should inquire why your physician believes that it is appropriate to do so and, if you aren't satisfied with the response, seek another opinion. Electrocautery does not provide a specimen for pathological evaluation which is importan to rule out skin cancer. There should also be concern as to the secondary healing from cauterization and the scarring which can result.
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Answer: Cauterization without anesthetic I see red flags. If the lesion us near the eye, anesthesic agents should be used. I know of no plastic surgeon who charges for local anesthesia. I would not perform a procedure without appropriate anesthetics and you should inquire why your physician believes that it is appropriate to do so and, if you aren't satisfied with the response, seek another opinion. Electrocautery does not provide a specimen for pathological evaluation which is importan to rule out skin cancer. There should also be concern as to the secondary healing from cauterization and the scarring which can result.
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January 5, 2010
Answer: Burning a mole without anesthesia is not warranted I would suggest getting a second opinion. There is no place around the eye where a mole grows that I would not inject anesthesia. I would also agree that electrocautery would destroy the mole and preclude sending for a pathologic evaluation. In the end, I think a second opinion with a facial plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or plastic surgeon is in order.
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January 5, 2010
Answer: Burning a mole without anesthesia is not warranted I would suggest getting a second opinion. There is no place around the eye where a mole grows that I would not inject anesthesia. I would also agree that electrocautery would destroy the mole and preclude sending for a pathologic evaluation. In the end, I think a second opinion with a facial plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or plastic surgeon is in order.
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January 5, 2010
Answer: Burning a mole and No anesthesia = Bad idea Several things in your question raise alarm bells.
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January 5, 2010
Answer: Burning a mole and No anesthesia = Bad idea Several things in your question raise alarm bells.
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