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Surgery is a common treatment for basal cell cancers (BCCs), squamous cell cancers (SCCs) and melanoma.
Skin cancer is the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells within the skin. It is caused by exposure to ultraviolet light (UV), causing irreversible damage to the cells’ DNA.
The typical skin cancers seen in Australia are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma. Certain types (most commonly melanoma and to a lesser extent, squamous cell carcinoma) can spread to other parts of the body. This refers to metastasis or metastatic disease. Early detection and treatment are the best way to prevent metastasis from skin cancer.
As a Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr Harish’s area of expertise lies in treating all types of skin cancers. Treatment of skin cancers includes BCC removal, SCC removal and melanoma removal surgery.
Skin cancer removal surgery
The most common skin cancer treatment is surgical removal – also known as skin cancer excision. This is where the skin cancer (or the skin lesion) and some of the surrounding ‘healthy’ tissue is removed with a small ‘margin’.
Surgical removal is generally the most effective of all treatments. This is usually done in the office so most people do not need to have their procedure done in hospital. If all the cancer is removed, this may be the only treatment you’ll need.
Most often, the skin cancer can be removed and the wound closed (stitched up). However, beyond a certain size and in certain locations (e.g., face), reconstructive surgery (‘skin flap surgery’ or ‘skin graft surgery’) may be required to achieve the best result. Treatment of complex skin cancers, or those that occur in cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face require considerable expertise to ensure an optimal outcome is achieved.
Recovery after skin cancer removal depends on the location and the type of reconstruction. Simple skin cancer removal without reconstruction does not require much down time at all and most people return to work and normal activities the next day. Follow up usually involves stitches being removed 7-14 days after the procedure depending on the location of the skin cancer.
What are the risk factors for skin cancer?
Skin cancer represents the largest number of all cancers diagnosed in Australia each year.
Several factors increase your risk of skin cancer, including (but not limited to):
- A previous or family history of skin cancer
- A history of sunburn or UV light exposure (e.g., sunbeds)
- Certain skin types (fair skin, red or light-coloured hair)
- A high number of moles or tendency to freckling
Types of skin cancer
The typical skin cancers seen in Australia are:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCCs)
- Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs)
- Melanoma and melanoma in situ
BCCs and SCCs are known as non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) or keratinocyte skin cancer. NMSCs are the most common cancer diagnosed in Australia.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
BCC is the most common type of skin cancers and accounts for approximately 80% of all NMSCs. These cancers start within the ‘basal layer’ of the outermost layer of skin (the epidermis).
BCCs are relatively slow-growing and readily curable. BCC almost never spreads to other parts of the body. Most BCCs occur on the head and neck area but they can develop anywhere. Having one BCC increases the risk of getting another - about 30-50% of people will develop another BCC within 5 years.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
SCC is the second most common form of skin cancer. It starts in the ‘squamous cells’ which are found in the upper layer of the epidermis. SCCs are usually found on areas of the body that get the most sun exposure. Unlike BCC, SCC may spread to the lymph nodes and internal organs. However, if picked up early it is very treatable.
Melanoma and melanoma in situ
Melanoma occurs when DNA in the pigment-producing cells of the skin, the melanocytes, becomes damaged. It is most commonly due to overexposure to UV radiation. Australia has the highest rate of melanoma in the world. Whilst melanoma makes up a small proportion of all skin cancers, it is the most serious form of skin cancer as it can spread to other parts of the body.
Melanoma in-situ (MIS) is a low-risk form of melanoma. The ‘in-situ’ term means that MIS is confined to the top layer of skin (epidermis) and has not spread to the deeper layer of skin (dermis). Because it resides in the epidermis and not the dermis, it cannot spread to other areas of the body if treated.
Surgery for melanoma may require melanoma removal as well as additional treatments.
All surgery carries risks. Images displayed are educational and illustrative, and do not necessarily reflect universal outcomes.