Skin Cancer Surgery Melbourne

Two in three Australians will develop skin cancer before the age of 70. The good news is that 95 percent of skin cancers can be successfully treated if detected early.

Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. The majority are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight. Cumulative UV exposure from working outdoors or spending a lot of time in the sun increases your risk of developing skin cancer. Other risk factors include fair skin type, history of blistering sunburns, suntanning, current or previous use of solariums, personal or family history of skin cancers, and a large number of moles. Patients with a compromised immune system or those who are on immunosuppression medication (e.g.organ transplant) are also at much higher risk of developing skin cancer.

It is important for all Australians to check their skin regularly. Use the “ABCDE ” rule – look for “A”symmetry, “B”order irregularity, “C”olour changes, “D”iameter changes and “E”levation in any skin spots. If any of these signs are present, the lesion may be skin cancer. If detected and treated early, the majority of skin cancers can be treated successfully. However, if left untreated, skin cancers can ultimately present a fatal outcome.

Dr Sally Ng has extensive experience in treating a wide range of skin cancers including management of cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, axilla and groin, or other parts of the patients’ body. Dr Sally is the plastic surgery lead in the skin and melanoma service at Austin Health and chairs the complex skin cancer multidisciplinary meeting for Waverley Private and Mitcham Private Hospital Network. Do not hesitate to contact Dr Sally with any queries you may have regarding a certain type of skin cancer, or the treatment involved.

Types of Skin Cancer

There are three main types of skin cancer – basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma which is the most dangerous form.

BCC accounts for 66% of skin cancers. It grows slowly over months or years. Look for small round or flattened spots that are red, pale or pearly in colour. These can become ulcerated.

SCC accounts for 33% of skin cancers. SCC tends to grow over months and may spread if not treated early. Look for scaly red areas that tend to bleed easily or non-healing sores that are often painful to touch.

Melanoma accounts for 1-2% of skin cancer. It is the most dangerous and aggressive form of skin cancer. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body and become fatal. It can appear as a new or existing spot, freckle or mole. It can grow anywhere in the body, not just in areas of sun exposure.

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Skin Cancer Treatments

In choosing the best treatment option, Dr Sally will consider your age and general health, the type and size of cancer, and where it is on your body. Based on the medical assessment and understanding your expectations, Dr Sally can help to tailor an individualised plan for you.

Surgical

Surgical removal of skin cancer remains a mainstay treatment option.

The surgery will be performed with the patient under local anaesthesia with or without sedation or general anaesthesia. Dr Sally may be able to perform this in her procedure room if it is simple excision.

After the skin cancer is removed, the defect is directly closed or reconstructed with skin grafts or local flaps. A skin graft is a thin piece of skin removed from one area of the body and transferred to the wound site. A local flap uses healthy adjacent tissue to resurface the wound. Dr Sally will discuss the reconstructive option with you before the operation. Dr Sally’s primary goal is to ensure adequate cancer clearance.

Surgical clearance of lymph nodes in the neck, armpit and groin may be required if the cancer has spread to the nearby lymph nodes.

Following skin surgery, it is important to follow all wound care instructions. Try to limit movement that may stress the wound and the sutures. You will be reviewed by Dr Sally after the surgery to discuss the result and receive ongoing dressing care. Sun exposure to the wound may result in irregular pigmentation and scars may become raised or red. It is important to use a silicone product with UV protection over the scar to obtain optimal results.

Non-Surgical

Non-surgical options may be suitable for certain cancer subtypes and based on a patient’s preference

Topical creams such as Aldara and Effudix can be used to treat certain subtypes such as superficial BCC and squamous cell carcinoma in situ. The cream will be applied over 4 to 6 weeks and works by generating an inflammatory response to clear the cancer cells.

Other treatments such as radiation and immunotherapy or chemotherapy may be used as an additional treatment post-surgery. Immunotherapy may occasionally be given before the surgery to reduce the tumour size and facilitate surgical excision.

Be Sun Smart

Slip on protective clothing
Slop on SPF 30 or higher sunscreen – make sure it is broad spectrum and water resistant
Slap on a hat
Seek shade
Slide on some sunglasses

Frequently Asked Questions

What is melanoma?

Melanoma is a dangerous form of skin cancer that originates from the cells that produce pigment, known as melanocytes. This type of cancer is usually the result of exposure to harmful UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Early detection and treatment are crucial for a positive outcome, as melanoma can spread to other parts of the body.

Start your surgical journey with Dr Sally Ng

If you are looking to achieve a particular result, Dr Sally Ng in Melbourne offers various aesthetic and reconstructive surgical procedures to help you.

For more information or to request a consultation, please contact us today.

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Footscray

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