Skin Cancers
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Australia. Almost two in three in Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer before the age of 70, and approximately 2000 Australians die from skin cancer each year.
The types of skin cancers we treat
Basal cell carcinomas (BCC’s)
Basal cell carcinomas (BCC’s) are the most common type of skin cancer and account for almost 70% of skin cancer. They are commonly found on the head and neck area, and other areas of the body that are exposed to the sun over the years. Whilst the most common type of skin cancer, it has an excellent prognosis if treated early as they do not typically spread (or metastasize) to the lymph nodes or other areas of the body.
Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC’s)
Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC’s) are then next most common type of skin cancer, and account for just under 30% of skin cancer diagnoses. They are most commonly found on the head and neck, forearms, and lower legs, but can also occur in the mouth and throat. If left neglected for a period of time, they have the capacity to infiltrate into local nerves and travel quickly, or to metastasize, typically to the draining lymph node basin.
Melanoma
Melanomas make up only 1-2% of skin cancer diagnoses in Australia but account for the majority of skin cancer deaths as they can be very aggressive and spread quickly to the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, bones and brain.
Small Skin Cancers
When detected early, surgical excision with appropriate surgical margins is the most effective treatment for skin cancer. In certain areas where there is good skin laxity, and for small lesions, direct closure of the wound with sutures can be achieved. Small, simple cases like these may be safely performed under local anaesthetic alone in the clinic.
Larger Skin Cancers
For larger skin cancer excision, or for excisions in functionally or aesthetically important areas (such as the hands or face), the excision defect may need to be reconstructed with either adjacent skin or skin from a distant anatomical region in the form of a flap or graft. Larger cases like these may be more appropriately performed in an operating theatre with specialised equipment under general anaesthetic or sedation provided by an anaesthetist.
