Surgical Treatment for Skin Cancer at Shire Doctors and Dentists
At Shire Doctors and Dentists, we offer a range of surgical treatments for skin cancers, in line with the latest Australian Cancer Council guidelines. Our goal is to provide effective care in a comfortable, cost-effective manner. Many of these treatments can be performed at our centre using local anaesthesia, which avoids the need for hospital visits and helps to keep treatment costs low.
Types of Surgical Treatments for Skin Cancer
There are three main surgical treatments for skin cancer: Cryosurgery, Curettage, and Excision. Each of these techniques is suited to different types of skin cancers, and your doctor will recommend the best approach based on the size, type, and location of your skin cancer.
Cryosurgery (Cryotherapy)
Cryosurgery, also known as cryotherapy, is a minimally invasive procedure where liquid nitrogen is applied to the skin. The extremely cold temperature causes the abnormal skin cells to freeze and be destroyed. This method is typically used for treating superficial skin cancers and sunspots.
What to Expect:
- Procedure: The liquid nitrogen is applied directly to the affected area. The procedure typically lasts only a few minutes.
- Discomfort: The treatment causes a brief stinging sensation, followed by a few minutes of itchiness.
- Healing Process: A small red blister may form at the treatment site, which heals over the following days to weeks.
- Post-Treatment Care: The treated area can be washed and moisturised after the procedure, but it is important not to pick at the healing wound.
- Cosmetic Results: The cosmetic outcome is generally very good, although a flat white scar may sometimes develop.
- Limitations: Cryosurgery is not suitable for treating melanoma and should be followed up if the treated spot does not resolve or recurs.
Curettage
Curettage is a traditional and effective method for treating many superficial skin cancers. This procedure involves scraping off the cancerous cells with a surgical instrument called a curette. The wound is left to heal from underneath, and it does not require stitches.
What to Expect:
- Procedure: The skin cancer is scraped away under local anaesthetic.
- Discomfort: Curettage is typically well-tolerated, with minimal discomfort during and after the procedure.
- Healing Process: A band-aid dressing is applied after the procedure and is typically removed after 2 days. You will then need to wash the wound gently in the shower and apply a new dressing daily until a scab forms.
- Cosmetic Results: The wound typically heals with a flat, pink to white scar. This scar is generally acceptable on the trunk or limbs but is less commonly used on the face.
- Post-Treatment Care: Once the scab has formed, the area can be left uncovered, but daily moisturisation is essential for optimal healing. A special dressing, such as Duoderm, may be used to aid the healing process.
- Limitations: Curettage is not suitable for melanoma and is generally not used on the face.
Excision
Excision is considered the gold standard for treating most skin cancers, including melanoma. The procedure involves surgically removing the entire cancerous lesion along with a healthy margin of surrounding tissue. This ensures that all abnormal cells are removed, reducing the risk of recurrence.
What to Expect:
- Procedure: The skin cancer is excised along with a small margin of normal tissue, and the wound is closed with stitches. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic.
- Discomfort: Local anaesthesia ensures the procedure is painless, and there is typically minimal discomfort after the procedure.
- Healing Process: A band-aid dressing is applied and typically removed after 2 days. You can wash the wound gently in the shower and apply a moisturising ointment. If needed, a band-aid can be applied again for additional protection.
- Cosmetic Results: Excision leaves a flat, linear scar, which is typically pink to white in appearance. To minimise the visibility of the scar, the incision is usually placed in a natural skin fold or wrinkle.
- Post-Treatment Care: After 7 to 14 days, you will need to return to have your stitches removed. Until then, it is essential to follow proper wound care and keep the area moisturised.
- Advantages: Excision is highly effective in treating melanoma and other types of skin cancer. Most excisions can be done at our centre, allowing you to return home the same day and resume your daily activities the next day.
Why Choose Shire Doctors and Dentists for Surgical Skin Cancer Treatment?
At Shire Doctors and Dentists, we are committed to providing expert skin cancer care in a comfortable and professional environment. We follow the Australian Cancer Council guidelines to ensure that all our treatments are safe, effective, and up-to-date.
- Experienced Doctors: Our doctors are highly experienced in performing a wide range of skin cancer surgeries.
- Convenient, On-Site Treatment: Most surgical procedures can be performed at our centre, allowing you to avoid hospital visits and reduce your treatment costs.
Comprehensive Care: From initial consultation to post-surgical follow-up, we provide ongoing support throughout your treatment journey.
- Specialised Expertise: Our doctors are extensively trained in diagnosing and managing skin cancer.
- Advanced Techniques: We use state-of-the-art tools like dermatoscopes and digital imaging for accuracy.
- Comprehensive Care: From biopsy to treatment, we provide all services in our purpose-built facility.
- Convenient Location: We are proud to serve the Sutherland Shire community with accessible, expert care.