Cosmetic skin cancer treatments and procedures
Skin Cancer Treatment Brisbane
Skin cancer is particularly common in Australia, affecting two-thirds of the population at some point in their lifetime. It is characterised by an abnormal growth of skin cells and is often caused by prolonged exposure to UV rays from sunlight.
Some people are more prone to developing skin cancer than others. Factors that may increase a person’s risk include having fair skin, spending prolonged time in the sun, and genetic predisposition. Several treatment methods are available for treating the condition, depending on the location, size, and characteristics of the affected skin. However, skin cancer surgery is the most common form of treatment.
Skin cancer is best treated promptly and by a professional with skin cancer surgery or another method. To begin diagnosis and skin cancer treatment, contact Dr Perron for an assessment and consultation in Brisbane.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Australia, accounting for 80% of all new diagnoses. The three most common forms are basal cell carcinomas (BCC), squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), and melanomas. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun is the most common, but not the only, cause of skin cancers. It can also be caused by UV exposure from tanning beds, welding equipment, and industrial applications. Also, exposure to chemicals, such as arsenic and coal tar, over a long period of time can also lead to the formation of some skin cancers.
Of all skin cancers, BCCs are encountered most frequently (70% of all skin cancer diagnoses). There are different types, and not all need to be removed with surgery. They rarely spread beyond their borders (metastasize) and are usually treated in one procedure. Prompt diagnosis ensures an easier treatment and better outcome.
SCCs are the next most common skin cancer (about 25% of all skin cancers) and can occur in many areas of the body. If neglected, they can spread to other areas of the body and are removed with wider margins. These types of skin cancers can occur on the ears and lips and tend to be more aggressive in these locations.
Melanoma is the least common (about 5% of skin cancers) but is the leading cause of skin cancer deaths (number three overall cause of cancer deaths (Australian Government Cancer Australia, 2014), Melanoma Institute of Australia). Australia has the highest melanoma incidence in the world, with Queensland being the leading state. Like BCCs, there are different varieties and all should be treated urgently. Melanomas have a tendency to spread to other parts of the body, and regular monitoring of local or distant recurrence should be performed.
Regularly checking your skin for abnormal moles or spots is a good way to catch skin cancer in its early stages. The earlier a problem is found, the more efficiently we will be able to provide a suitable skin cancer treatment and avoid it spreading.
You can conduct your own skin checks at home, looking all over your skin for anything unusual. This includes the hands, soles of the feet, back, and scalp, as skin cancer can appear in locations that don’t get exposed to the sun. You should look for any abnormal spots or lesions that change shape or colour over time. The common signs to look for are:
If you find anything concerning, you should seek a diagnosis and skin cancer treatment. But regardless, it is recommended to get your skin checked by a medical practitioner every six months to a year.
Although anyone can be at risk of skin cancer, the risk of a diagnosis is increased by certain factors. Skin cancer is more likely for people who:
Obtaining a diagnosis of skin cancer involves meeting with a medical professional to assess your condition. After this, you can discuss an appropriate skin cancer treatment.
Some skin lesions require a biopsy of tissue to determine the lesion type. This can be done using local anaesthetic during your consultation. Additionally, if the lesion needs to be further excised, this can be discussed with Dr Perron.
Most small lesions can be excised, leaving a small scar. Larger lesions may need a flap or skin graft to repair the defect. However, with some BCCs and IECs (intraepithelial carcinoma), a topical treatment can be used, and an excision can be avoided.
Depending on the location of the skin lesion, most can be done in the office under local anaesthesia. However, some locations are very difficult to address under local anaesthesia, and excision (skin cancer surgery) may need to be performed under sedation or a general anaesthetic.
In the case of skin cancer surgery, Dr Perron will endeavour to remove the entirety of the affected skin, plus a small border (margin) of healthy skin to ensure no cancerous cells remain. The removed tissue is checked to ensure that all of the affected cells have been removed. However, if cancer cells are found at the margins, then you may require another skin cancer surgery procedure.
Skin cancer treatment (often involving skin cancer surgery) costs depend on the circumstances of the patient and the treatment method required. If the procedure is more extensive – for example, requiring a skin flap or graft – this may increase the overall cost. We must consider things such as the anaesthesia used, the treatment approach, and any follow-up appointments or aftercare.
Dr Perron can outline the costs in more detail during your consultation, once we have a plan for your specific skin cancer treatment.
If a skin cancer lesion has been removed with surgical excision, the patient’s incision will need time to heal. The extent of this recovery phase depends on the size of the affected area and other details of the procedure. For this reason, it is vital to follow any recovery instructions given by Dr Perron and advise us if any issues arise.
If the affected area is located in a delicate or easily aggravated area on the body, you will need to protect it. Ensure you get enough rest while healing, and avoid anything that could irritate the healing skin. Additionally, during skin cancer treatment recovery, you should:
Some patients might wonder about skin cancer surgery recovery time. In general, you can expect to wait between one and three weeks for the wound to heal. However, this depends on the size of the treated area. If the affected area is large or requires a graft or skin flap, the recovery time might be longer. In any case, it will take much longer for the scar to completely mature and fade.
At your follow-up skin cancer surgery appointment, you may have dressings that need to be changed or sutures that need to be removed. Details regarding the histology of your lesion can be discussed at that time.
Please be advised that all procedures carry risks. Therefore, we encourage patients to consult with their regular GP and Qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon before considering surgery. Skin cancer treatment risks can include swelling and bruising, pain, anaesthesia reactions, and infection. There is also a risk that the cancer may return, and you may have to undergo more skin cancer treatment.
It is worth noting that Dr Perron takes great care to prioritise the health of his patients. This means ensuring that any diagnosed skin cancer is properly treated. However, if you notice any symptoms that concern you after your treatment, ensure that you contact us or speak to a medical professional.
Find more information about the risks and complications of skin cancer removal surgery here.
Speaking with a medical practitioner is important if you are concerned about the development of skin cancer or notice any unusual skin spots. However, even though there’s no sure way to prevent the condition, you should aim to reduce the risk as much as possible. This means habitually wearing high-SPF sunscreen, avoiding prolonged sun exposure, and avoiding tanning beds.
Consulting with a certified professional is the first step to accurate and prompt skin cancer treatment. If you have noticed any lesions unusual in colour, large, irregular, or that change over time, now is a good time to consult a doctor such as Dr Perron. He can provide diagnosis and treatment, as well as answer any questions about skin cancer surgery or other treatments.
Book your private skin cancer surgery consultation in Brisbane for a personal conversation with Dr Perron.
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490 Boundary Street
Spring Hill QLD 4000
