SKIN CANCER SURGERY
WHAT IS SKIN CANCER SURGERY?
In some cases, skin cancer may require surgical treatment, in which cancerous lesions or growths may be removed. Dr September will remove skin cancer using very specialised surgical techniques. He will then reconstruct the area of treatment to restore your appearance as much as possible.
WHY OPT FOR SKIN CANCER SURGERY?
If cancer cells are seen, a layer of skin is removed and examined. This is repeated until the skin samples are free of cancer cells. This is a slow process, often taking several hours, but it means that more normal skin near the tumour can be saved. This can help the area look better after surgery.
WHAT DOES THE PROCEDURE INVOLVE?
The procedure will depend on the type of cancerous lesion you need to have removed, as well as its size and location. Small lesions can often be removed using a simple procedure known as excision, in which case a very sharp razor is used. This procedure may be recommended for moles, small growths and tumours.
In other cases, particularly when the cancerous cells affect a larger area, Dr September may perform surgery to remove diseased tissue. Once the cancerous cells have been removed, reconstruction of the skin can begin.
During the reconstruction process, healthy tissue (either from a skin graft or another part of the body) is repositioned over the wound. The tissue is shaped to match the natural curves of the face or body to minimise scarring.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
You may experience some tenderness at the site of surgery following your procedure. Dr September will explain how to keep your wounds clean and free from infection, and he will prescribe medications to help ease any discomfort.
The healing process can take several weeks or months, depending on the extent of the surgery. Incision lines will fade over time, although follow-up procedures may be recommended to perfect your reconstruction in some cases.
You should try and avoid sun exposure while your wounds heal to avoid pigmentation and darkening of scars. You will need to arrange follow-up consultations with your doctor to detect any new skin lesions early.