Dermatologic Surgery Glossary

Precancerous lesion caused by chronic sun exposure with potential to progress to squamous cell carcinoma.

Reconstructive technique moving adjacent tissue forward to close a surgical defect.

Distinct facial regions defined by natural shadows, contours, and boundaries that guide reconstructive planning.

A distinct facial region with consistent skin characteristics and natural boundaries used in reconstructive planning.

The systematic documentation of local anesthetic distribution to ensure adequate surgical anesthesia and patient safety.

A low-grade cutaneous sarcoma typically occurring on sun-damaged skin of elderly patients, requiring wide surgical excis...

Most common type of skin cancer arising from basal cells in the epidermis, typically caused by UV exposure.

A double-lobed transposition flap with two interconnected tissue segments. Designed to close defects while redistributin...

The measurement of tumor depth from the granular layer to the deepest point of invasion, used for melanoma staging.

Small triangular excisions of excess tissue used to facilitate smooth closure of advancement flaps.

Complete circumferential peripheral and deep margin assessment, a tissue processing technique ensuring 100% margin evalu...

Permanent hair loss resulting from scarring that destroys hair follicles, often complicating scalp reconstructions.

The pathologic tightening and shortening of scar tissue that may limit function or appearance.

Progressive shortening and tightening of scar tissue that limits range of motion or causes functional impairment.

A histologic staging system for melanoma based on the anatomic level of invasion through skin layers.

A graft containing multiple tissue types, such as skin and cartilage, typically used for complex reconstructions.

A combined treatment approach using curettage followed by cryotherapy to treat superficial skin cancers and pre-cancerou...

A two-step surgical technique combining tissue scraping with electrical tissue destruction.

A rare, aggressive malignant tumor arising from blood or lymphatic vessels in the skin.

Conical projection of compacted keratin arising from the skin surface, requiring histologic evaluation to determine unde...

A heterogeneous group of lymphoid malignancies primarily affecting the skin. Includes both T-cell and B-cell variants re...

A malignant tumor arising from keratinocytes in the epidermis, representing the second most common form of skin cancer.

Surgical removal of necrotic, damaged, or infected tissue to promote wound healing and prepare the wound bed for reconst...

A wound management strategy involving initial open healing followed by surgical closure within days to weeks.