What is Skin Cancer Removal?
Skin cancer removal is a surgical procedure to eliminate cancerous lesions and prevent the spread of cancer. Early intervention, ideally performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, is crucial for effective treatment.
The type of skin cancer determines the surgical approach and whether additional treatments, such as neoadjuvant therapy, are necessary. The three main types of skin cancer, listed in increasing severity, are:
- Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCC): Typically slow-growing and less likely to spread.
- Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC): Require prompt removal to prevent spread.
- Melanomas: The most aggressive type, often requiring complex treatment and follow-up surgery such as sentinel node biopsies.
Malignant melanomas are more likely to metastasise and may require additional treatments, including immunotherapy or chemotherapy. Advanced surgical techniques minimise scarring, and reconstructive options can address disfigurement following tumour removal.
What is involved in the Skin Cancer Removal Procedure?
The procedure and techniques will vary depending on the diagnosis.
1 | Simple Excision
- For small, localised lesions, the cancerous tissue is removed, and the incision is closed with precision to minimise scarring.
2 | Frozen Section Examination
- If indeterminate cancerous cells are suspected, a frozen section examination may be performed during surgery.
- A pathologist examines the tissue to ensure complete removal of the cancerous cells, improving the likelihood of a successful outcome.
3 | Reconstructive Techniques
- For larger lesions or areas where removal may result in significant tissue loss, reconstruction is performed using:
- Skin flaps: Tissue adjacent to the excised area is repositioned over the wound using advanced techniques to minimise visible scarring.
- Skin grafts: Healthy skin from another part of the body is transplanted to cover the wound and restore function and appearance.
Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual, prioritising effective cancer removal while aiming to achieve the best possible aesthetic and functional results.
