Skin Cancer Surgery
Skin cancer surgery is a specialised field that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and removal of skin cancers. Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells, typically caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources. Skin cancer surgery aims to remove the cancerous growth while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Common skin cancer surgery conditions, causes, symptoms and treatment options are outlined below.
- Causes: Prolonged sun exposure, UV radiation, genetic predisposition.
- Symptoms: Pearly or translucent bump, bleeding sore that doesn’t heal, scaly red patch.
- Treatment options: Mohs surgery, excisional surgery, cryosurgery, electrodessication and curettage, topical chemotherapy, radiation therapy.
- Causes: Cumulative sun exposure, UV radiation, precancerous skin conditions.
- Symptoms: Firm red nodule, scaly patch, ulceration, open sore that doesn’t heal.
- Treatment options: Excisional surgery, Mohs surgery, cryosurgery, radiation therapy, topical chemotherapy.
- Causes: Intense sun exposure, UV radiation, genetic factors.
- Symptoms: Irregularly shaped mole or dark spot, changes in size, color, or texture.
- Treatment options: Wide local excision, sentinel lymph node biopsy, lymph node dissection, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy.
- Causes: Merkel cell polyomavirus, UV radiation, immunosuppression.
- Symptoms: Firm, painless nodule, red or purple patches, swollen lymph nodes.
- Treatment options: Wide local excision, sentinel lymph node biopsy, lymph node dissection, radiation therapy, chemotherapy.
- Causes: Genetic mutations, trauma, radiation exposure.
- Symptoms: Slow-growing, raised and firm tumour, may be skin-coloured or purplish.
- Treatment options: Wide local excision, Mohs surgery, radiation therapy.
- Causes: Various factors can contribute to the development of different types of skin cancer.
- Symptoms: The symptoms can vary depending on the specific type of skin cancer.
- Treatment Options: May include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these approaches, depending on the type and stage of the cancer.
It’s important to note that early detection and treatment of skin cancer greatly increase the chances of successful outcomes. Regular self-examinations, professional skin checks, and practicing sun-safe behaviours are essential in the prevention and early identification of skin cancer. Consultation with a dermatologist or a skin cancer surgeon is crucial for diagnosis, treatment planning and management of skin cancer.
For further information, please visit: headandneckcancer.org.au
Appointments & Enquiries
If you have a skin problem requiring surgical attention, Dr Yabe is a specialist general surgeon providing procedural skin cancer surgery services.
She provides surgical skin services that span the entire body, from head to toe, with particular experience in head, face and neck skin cancers. She performs both simple and highly-complex cancer surgery. She operates in Wollongong in both private and public hospitals. Please contact us to make an appointment with Dr Yabe to discuss the best treatment options for you.
