Skin Cancer Surgery

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and exposure to the sun, particularly earlier in life, can be a factor in skin cancers appearing later. Receiving a skin cancer diagnosis can be a difficult experience, especially if the lesion is located in a prominent area. It is important to have any concerning lesions assessed promptly.

Depending on the cancer type and size, there are specific management methods, which may include reconstructive surgery. The goal is to develop a thorough and considered management plan. Many skin cancers can be managed on-site in our clinic, often using a local anaesthetic.

For other types of skin cancer, a biopsy may be undertaken prior to discussing a management plan, which may be followed by reconstructive surgery. We offer detailed consultations regarding surgical options for reconstruction. During this discussion, we will explain how incisions are planned, with the aim of placing them within natural skin folds or contours where possible.

Skin Cancer Types

• Basal cell cancer: This is the most common type of skin cancer. Basal cell cancer rarely spreads. It may grow slightly, sometimes ulcerating and appearing to heal. It can gradually enlarge, and prompt assessment is recommended to explore management options.
• Squamous cell cancer: These cancers are the second most common. They generally appear as a scaly growth on the skin and may have a tendency to bleed and enlarge. It is important to seek medical advice for any new or changing lesions.
• Melanoma: This is a serious form of skin cancer. Skin lesions that change in colour, shape or size require prompt medical assessment. Early detection is important for developing a management plan.
• Moles: While most moles are benign, it is important to monitor them for any changes. Signs to be aware of include a change of shape, irregularity of the borders, colour variegation, and an increase in size.

Management Procedures For Skin Cancer

The management of skin cancer can be a simple or complex procedure, depending on the individual case. Depending on the plan discussed, you may be given local or general anaesthesia. Some small, non-invasive lesions may be managed using cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen spray) to freeze the area. The area will then heal over a period of time. Small lesions are often managed by excision. This is a surgical procedure where the lesion is removed and the skin is closed.

However, the visible appearance of a skin cancer may not always represent its full extent beneath the skin. The underlying lesion can cover a larger region with borders that are not visible on the surface. The goal of skin cancer surgery is to remove the entire tumour. To achieve this, your surgeon may need to remove tissue until there is a clear margin of unaffected tissue surrounding the area, which is confirmed by pathology.

Reconstructive Surgery

The size and location of the wound following skin cancer removal depends on the lesion itself, which can occur anywhere on the face or body. As with any surgery, you will be left with some scarring. Every effort is made during reconstruction to carefully plan the procedure, and several methods can be discussed.

For some larger areas, healthy adjacent tissue may be used by forming a flap of skin and repositioning it over the wound. The advantage of this method, especially for facial areas, is using skin that is of a similar colour and texture to that which has been removed. This approach is designed to assist in managing the final appearance of the scar as it follows the natural contours of the face.

Skin Cancer Surgery Recovery

Sutures are typically removed after one week, or longer in more complex situations. The incision site might be sore and may drain small amounts of fluid after the procedure. It is important to keep the site clean and well protected from additional injury, and limit any movement that will add stress to the wound during the healing phase. We will advise you to keep the area protected from the sun during wound healing, as sun exposure can affect the healing process and the final appearance of the scar. In time, the scar will mature and its appearance may change.

Skin cancer is a condition that should not be taken lightly. We take your needs seriously and are committed to providing a professional and supportive service. Our team has the appropriate qualifications and experience to guide you through your consultation and management process.