Skin cancer occurs when skin cells are damaged and grow in an uncontrolled and abnormal way. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and early detection is essential.
The 3 most common types of skin cancer are:
Melanoma Surgery Geelong | Skin Cancer Surgery
Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCC’s) make up the majority of skin cancers. They tend to grow slowly, can ulcerate or bleed, but rarely spread to other areas of the body. The earlier a BCC is found and diagnosed the easier it is to manage.
However, if left untreated, BCCs can be locally destructive, grow deeper into surrounding tissues and treatment can be more difficult. Some BCCs can be treated with topical ointments and some with surgery. The diagnosis of BCC is confirmed with a biopsy.
Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCCs), are usually quicker growing. They appear in the areas of the body that have had the most sun exposure. They can grow over a period of weeks to months and if left untreated they can spread to other areas of the body. Most SCCs are treated with surgical excision. The diagnosis of SCC is confirmed with a biopsy.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma in-situ or Bowen’s disease is an early form of skin cancer which if left untreated can develop into an invasive SCC. It is diagnosed with a biopsy and can often be treated with a topical ointment.
Melanoma is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. In 2024 over 18,000 cases of melanoma were diagnosed in Australia. Melanoma starts in the skin cells called melanocytes and can spread to other areas of the body such as lymph nodes, brain and liver. The earlier melanoma is found, the more successful treatment can be. Melanoma is diagnosed by a biopsy. If a diagnosis of melanoma is confirmed, surgery is the mainstay of treatment. Additional treatments and investigations such as such as Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy. may be required if melanoma is advanced.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a diagnostic test sometimes used in the management of melanoma. Preparation involves additional scans before the procedure. These scans and the use of specialised equipment in theatre helps identify the first lymph node that the primary melanoma drains to. This lymph node is excised and analysed which can help with prognosis and guide treatment options. Suitability for this procedure will be discussed during your consultation.
The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons is the peak body for Plastic Surgeons in Australia
Their website provides further detailed information about surgical procedures.
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