Skin Cancer Surgery Sydney
Contact us to find out moreSkin cancer is a type of cancer that arises in skin cells that have been harmed by UV radiation from the sun or other artificial sources, causing your skin cells to grow uncontrollably and form tumours in the skin. Sun damage from prolonged sun exposure, such as sunburns and tanning, can lead to skin cancer.
With more than 13,000 Australians diagnosed with melanomas each year and two in three of them having been diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70, it is the most prevalent type of cancer in our country. In most cases, skin cancer goes unnoticed, but you might detect changes in some parts of your skin.
Based on where the cancer cells begin to grow, there are three primary forms of skin cancer:
- The most dangerous type of skin cancer, melanoma, begins in the cells that create melanin, which gives skin its pigment and can spread to other organs.
- Non-melanoma skin malignancies, such as basal and squamous cell carcinoma, are the most prevalent but considerably less likely to spread to other organs.
Skin cancer surgery consultations in Sydney
Before beginning any treatment, a consultation is necessary at Dr Zurek’s Sydney facility. We will discuss your medical history, including any prescription drugs or nutritional supplements you may use and any previous surgeries or treatments. You should be honest with Dr Zurek about your health and lifestyle choices and let him know if anyone in your family has a history of skin cancer and whether you have previously been diagnosed.
A skin examination with specialised tools might be performed if you see any spots or moles changing. In most circumstances, a biopsy may be performed to check for malignant or precancerous cells in the skin tissue of the mole and the surrounding area.
After determining the type of melanoma, the next step is to assess the stage of the disease if the biopsy results reveal malignant cells in the tissue. This is accomplished by measuring the Breslow thickness, or the depth and thickness of the melanoma. Dr Zurek can determine how deep into the layers of skin the malignant cells have spread by measuring the melanoma in millimetres.
What to expect
Several treatment options are available to people diagnosed with skin cancer, depending on the stage of the disease and if it has spread.
Wide local incision
To ensure that the cancer is thoroughly removed, the margins of removal with a large local incision are more expansive. Before removal, a local anaesthetic must be administered into the region for this minor surgery. The amount of surrounding tissue removed depends on the thickness and location of the tumour. Incisions around the margins and in the depth of the excision may need to be wider for thicker tumours.
Mohs procedure
This is a precise method of eliminating skin cancer in which the skin and melanoma are removed in very thin layers. After removing a layer, it is checked under a microscope, and if any cancer cells remain, another layer is excised from that area. This methodically removes all diseased tissue while sparing as much good tissue as possible and is repeated until no cancer cells are left.
Lymph node dissection
All lymph nodes surrounding the primary melanoma tumour are removed during this surgery. Following a melanoma diagnosis, the lymph nodes in the surrounding area may be checked. This will aid in slowing or halting the spread of malignant cells to the nearby lymph nodes. Dissections may be performed if the lymph nodes are very hard or big.
Skin cancer surgery aftercare and results
Recovery from skin cancer and aftercare are crucial in assessing your recovery and the likelihood of a cancer recurrence following surgery. Regular skin checks and testing may be necessary as part of your aftercare plan to ensure cancer has not returned or spread to other regions. The healing process varies based on each patient’s history of melanomas and risk of recurrence. Following skin cancer treatment, it is critical to take actions to protect your skin from future harm, such as:
- When outside, wear a hat.
- When spending a lot of time outside, wear long sleeves and pants.
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen every two hours with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Put on UV-protective eyewear.
- Avoid using tanning beds and other tanning equipment.
Risks and complications
Any medical or cosmetic surgery you may have has risks and potential problems, so it’s crucial to be informed of them. Skin cancer risks and side effects vary significantly from patient to patient.
Wide excisions are necessary to remove thicker melanomas, and depending on where the melanoma is located, a skin graft or rehabilitation may be needed. Patients who have lymph nodes removed are susceptible to lymphedema. In this medical condition, fluid buildup in the soft tissue results in a blockage of the lymphatic system, which protects the body from sickness and infection. Of course, there is also a chance that cancer will come back in later years. Following a complete sun-safety plan and attending regular check-ups should aid in preventing and monitoring cancer recurrence.
Book your consultation today
If you are concerned about a particular mole or spot, book a consultation with Dr Zurek today. Dr Zurek and his team are skilled with the appropriate accreditation and qualifications. Contact our Sydney clinic today.
Faq
WHAT WARNING SIGNS SHOULD I LOOK FOR ON MY SKIN?
It is vital to be aware of your body and record any noticeable skin changes, regardless of whether they fit into one of the specific symptom lists for each form of skin cancer. Each type of skin cancer has distinct symptoms to look out for.
- Basal cell carcinoma: Skin lesions that resemble scars, lumps, or nodules and are glossy or have visible blood vessels; crusty, itchy lesions that may bleed or have a depression in the middle; or red lesions that resemble eczema.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Any sore that does not heal or returns after healing; bumps or growths with a rough texture that crust over and bleed; flat, scaly patches of skin; or white spots in the mouth, on the tongue, gums, or cheeks.
- Melanoma: Moles, scaly patches of skin, open sores, raised bumps, and black spots beneath the finger or toenail are all signs of melanoma. Use the ABCDE memory device or the Ugly Duckling method to identify the warning signs of melanoma on the skin: any mole or marking that does not resemble the others on your body is worth having examined by a dermatologist.
HOW CAN I TELL IF I HAVE MELANOMA?
You may be able to tell if an abnormal growth on your skin is melanoma using the ABCDE method:
- Asymmetry: The mole’s form is asymmetrical.
- Border: The margin is uneven or notched rather than smooth.
- Colour: The mole is unevenly shaded or has black patches.
- Diameter: The spot is larger than a pencil eraser in diameter.
- Evolving or Elevation: The area is changing in size, form, or texture, or it is evolving.