Skin Cancer & Lesion Removal

Skin Cancer. The skin is the largest organ of the human body and skin cancer is the most common form of cancer worldwide with Australia having the highest incidence of any other country in the world.

There are 3 main types of skin cancer, these are:

• This is the most dangerous, they grow very quickly and require immediate attention.
• Basal cell carcinoma. This is the most common type of skin cancer and the least dangerous. It is slow growing and most commonly appears on the head and upper torso.
• Squamous cell carcinoma. Although not as dangerous as melanoma, if left untreated it can spread to other parts of the body.

Skin Lesions. There are many different types of skin lesions. Some are common and not harmful but affect our cosmetic appearance. Others can be skin cancer precursors which are dangerous and need to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

What is skin cancer and lesion removal surgery?

Skin cancer and skin lesion removal surgery can have two aims:

• Remove any dangerous cancerous cells to prevent the spread of the disease to other areas of the body.
• Remove lesions and diseased skin for improved cosmetic outcomes.

Where is it done? Your skin cancer and skin lesion removal surgery will be performed by Dr. Verma in Finesse Cosmetic Surgery’s consulting rooms ,located at the brand-new Honeysuckle Day Hospital in Newcastle, a fully licensed and accredited day hospital which is purposely equipped to care for general and cosmetic surgical procedures.

Length of surgery: The time of the procedure will depend upon the size and complexity of cancer/lesion that is being removed.

Type of anaesthesia: Local, twilight sedation or general anaesthetic.

Day surgery or inpatient stay? Day Surgery

Approximate cost: Costs will vary depending upon what is required for your individual treatment as well as the complexity and expected duration of surgery and the type of anaesthesia. Dr. Verma will discuss this with you at the time of your consultation and his team will provide you with a detailed cost estimate after your visit.

What to expect during the consultation?

Dr. Verma will take a medical history during the consultation and will discuss with you the details of the treatment as well as the type of anaesthetic and recovery times. He will also take photographs during the consultation which are an integral part of surgery allowing for an accurate pre- and post-op record and documentation.

Where will the incisions/scars be?

This will be dependent upon the location of the area of the cancer/lesions.

What type of Anaesthesia will be used?

The type of anaesthesia will be determined by the size and location of the area to be treated and could be either local anaesthesia, twilight sedation or general anaesthesia. Dr. Verma will discuss this with you at your consultation.

What are the risks and complications of skin cancer and lesion removal surgery?

With any surgical procedure, there are risks involved and most problems are easily treated and settle with time.

General risks of any surgery include excessive bleeding, reaction to any of the medications (including anaesthesia), infection, poor healing or excessive scarring.

The occurrence of such complications depends mainly on whether you smoke, your general health status, how your body heals, as well as your post-operative recovery. Dr. Verma will discuss all risks and complications with you during a consultation, as well as techniques and medications which can minimize risks.

What are the side effects of skin cancer and lesion removal surgery?

Particular risks associated with skin cancer and skin lesion removal surgery can include:

• Infection that may require post-surgical antibiotics or in some cases, further surgery
• Incomplete excision of the skin cancer that requires further surgery
• Breakdown of the wound
• Loss of skin graft or skin flap that requires further surgery
• Unsightly scarring of the site including keloid scars or lumpy scar tissue

Care of your skin cancer and lesion removals and wounds

You will be provided with detailed instructions by Finesse Cosmetic Surgery with regards to care of your sutures, wounds etc.

Downtime

Downtime will vary depending upon the size and location of the area treated. This will be discussed with you at the time of your initial consultation and post op healing reviews.

When will you see results?

Results will be visible after your tissues heal when swelling and bruising subside which may take up to a month.

What will be your follow up schedule?

Dr. Verma will see you one week post the operation and then organize subsequent follow-ups according to how you recover. All routine follows up visits are bulk billed. Revision surgery for any complications carries an extra charge.

Similar to your consultation visit (see above), Dr. Verma will be taking photographs of your skin in order to document its healing during follow up visits.

How long do the effects of skin cancer and lesion removal surgery last for?

If there are no complications and the skin cancer is completely removed a regular yearly skin check with your GP will be required for most excised skin cancers.