Skin Cancer Removal

When you are given a skin cancer diagnosis, it can be frightening news indeed. The first objective in treating the disease is to eradicate it completely whenever possible. Surgery is usually the right course of action to remove both the cancerous mass and often even some of the healthy tissue surrounding the mass to ensure all of the cancer cells are eliminated.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Australia and New Zealand have the highest rates of skin cancer across the globe. Because skin cancer typically occurs on exposed, visible areas of skin, removing the tumour with the best possible cosmetic results is imperative to most patients. An experienced plastic surgeon like Dr Teston is your best choice for this procedure, since these physicians are specially trained to take aesthetics into consideration when performing any medical or cosmetic procedure.

Before Your Surgery

There are three basic types of skin cancer:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma – This is the most common type of skin cancer and also the easiest to treat. While basal cell carcinoma grows slowly and does not tend to spread, tumours can grow large if left unchecked for an extended period. The larger the tumour, the more difficult it is to remove without leaving significant scarring behind.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma – This cancer affects about twenty percent of all Australians diagnosed with the disease, according to the Australasian Foundation for Plastic Surgery. Squamous cell carcinoma can spread and may become deadly if it is left unchecked for too long. Fortunately, early treatment usually produces an excellent prognosis.
• Malignant Melanoma – While this type of cancer only occurs in about five percent of skin cancer patients, it is the most dangerous by far. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to a positive prognosis in the case of melanoma. All Australians, particularly those at higher risk of skin cancer, should be checking their skin regularly for new formations of moles or changes to current marks.

Once you know what type of cancer you are dealing with, you can begin discussing treatment options with your physician. As surgical removal is usually necessary, Dr Teston can work with your doctor to ensure your cancer treatment is both effective and cosmetically satisfying.

During Your Procedure

The size and type of the malignancy to be removed will dictate in large part how your surgery will go. Small tumours may be eradicated during day surgery right in the surgeon’s office, often using local anaesthesia. Larger masses may be removed in an accredited hospital using general anaesthesia, and may or may not involve an overnight stay. During any skin cancer removal procedure, Dr Teston will do her best to minimise visible scarring by placing the incisions in less conspicuous locations when possible and using small, meticulous sutures to close the incision after your procedure.

After Your Surgery

Patients can return to their regular activities immediately following their procedure if the cancer removal was minor. More extensive surgeries may require a day or more of recovery time to give the incision ample time to heal properly. You will also be given instructions on how to care for your incision to promote healing and minimise scarring as much as possible. Dr Teston will see you back in her office within about seven days to remove sutures and evaluate the progress of the scar and result.

Potential Risks and Complications 

All surgery carries some degree of risk. Some of the possible complications of skin cancer removal include:

• Scarring
• Infection 

This is not a complete list. For example, your medical history or lifestyle may put you at increased risk of certain complications. Speak to your medical practitioner for more information.

Skin cancer is an alarming diagnosis and unfortunately, a common one for Australians. The good news is that skin cancer removal can yield excellent cosmetic results and a positive prognosis in many cases. To learn more, contact Dr Teston’s office on (02) 9708 3511.

*The information about Skin Cancer Removal was reviewed by Dr Leana Teston. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.