Skin Cancer & Melanoma Surgery Gold Coast
Skin Cancer and Melanoma Surgery
Almost all skin cancer treatment requires the removal of the affected skin.
Depending on the type of skin cancer, we offer topical treatments (creams), photodynamic (cream followed by intense red light), laser therapy and surgery. We also have treatments for other sun-induced skin problems, such as sun spots, increased pigmentation, prominent capillaries and wrinkles. This procedure is usually performed under local anaesthetic. In most cases, stitches are used to close the wound, leaving a straight-line scar. However, for certain areas of the body or larger cancers, a skin graft may be necessary.
Many patients have spots or blemishes that are not skin cancer, but patients often want them removed for aesthetic reasons. Some thin spots can be removed with IPL or a laser, which can leave virtually no scarring. Blemishes that are the result of burst vessels or thin veins in the skin can also be treated with a special vascular laser. This laser targets only the blood vessels and leaves the skin untouched, meaning that there is no scarring. The procedure is performed without need for anaesthetic or hospitalization, and there is no time away from activities. The Sciton laser machine is an extremely accurate ablative laser, that produces very little collateral tissue injury, hence minimizing complications such as scarring and hyper or hypo-pigmentation.
Types of Skin Cancer
Melanoma begins in the cells that produce pigment in the skin. Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, if not detected early, melanoma may spread to the surrounding lymph glands or other organs. To treat melanoma, the affected skin needs to be surgically removed, along with a rim of normal skin surrounding the infected area. Even if the tests bring up no results, the patient should be monitored for the next few years to confirm that the cancer has not come back or spread.
Types of Skin Cancer
Basal cell carcinoma accounts for more than 90% of all skin cancers. It is a slow-growing cancer that seldom spreads to other parts of the body and typically develops on the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders, or back. They are visible on the outer layer of skin in the form of a reddish patch, shiny bump, open sore, pink growth, or scar-like mark. A one-time treatment to surgically remove the infected area is all that is necessary.
Types of Skin Cancer
Squamous cell carcinoma can be more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma and is also more likely to grow deep below the skin and spread to distant parts of the body and may result from excessive exposure to the sun or to certain chemicals. This typically occurs if the cancer is larger or has been growing, untreated, for a long period of time. Treatment involves surgery to remove the cancer and close monitoring of the lymph glands in the area.
Types of Skin Cancer
Actinic keratosis, or solar keratosis, is a pre-cancerous condition that has the potential for developing into squamous cell carcinoma. It appears as rough red or brown, scaly patches on the skin. They are often more easily felt than seen. Like skin cancer, actinic keratosis is usually found on sun-exposed areas of the body, but it can be found on other parts of the body as well.
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*Initial complimentary consultation will be with our aesthetic nurse.