A wide local excision (WLE) is the surgical removal of the primary melanoma along with a rim of normal skin surrounding the tumor, usually ½ to 1 inch. Rarely, a skin graft is necessary to fill in the space.  This is the primary method for treating melanoma.

Depending on the size of the area to be removed, you will be told about how long the procedure takes.  There is no hospital stay for WLE, it is an outpatient procedure.

If you are scheduled for this procedure, you will be given specific instructions to follow for pre and post surgical care.