Skin cancer treatments – surgical and non-surgical
Your dermatologist will guide you as to what is the most suitable treatment for your skin cancer. Our aim is to give our patients the highest cure rate, whilst minimizing scarring. Most of our treatments are conducted on site, however in some situations we refer patients for plastic surgery or radiotherapy to treat skin cancers.
Surgical treatments
The majority of surgical treatments are undertaken in one of our two operating theaters onsite.
Non–surgical treatments
Photodynamic therapy, or PDT, has gained reputation as the revolutionary form of technology used for the treatment of certain types of skin cancers, pre-cancerous lesions and photodamage. This treatment modality yields excellent cosmetic results with a high cure rate without the need for invasive surgery. Your dermatologist will guide you as to what lesions are suitable for PDT. Click here for more information.
Skin cancer prevention
This addresses pre-malignant lesions. Your dermatologist will guide you as to what treatments are best suited for your skin. Strategies and treatment options to help prevent skin cancers include sunscreen, Efudix treatment, Photodynamic Therapy, Chemical Peels and regular skin screening.
Skin cancer screening
In at risk patients, regular skin screening is advised. Your dermatologist will recommend at what intervals a skin check should be conducted as interval times vary between individuals.
Types of skin cancer
Sourced from the Australasian College of Dermatologist Website for further information click here.
Basal Cell Cancer
Definition
BCC is the most common type of skin cancer. It grows from cells in the lower part of the upper layer of the skin. The growth tends to be quite slow, taking a period of months to years, and only rarely do these cancers spread throughout the body.
BCCs most commonly appear on the face, head, neck and trunk regions and can occur in difficult to treat areas such as near the eye and the lower legs. In short, BCCs can occur on any area of the body. In most cases they are curable and one can achieve excellent cosmetic results.
Why You Need to Treat Basal Call Cancer's
Basal cell carcinoma is by far the most common form of skin cancer. Although they are rarely life threatening, if left untreated they can grow, erode and destroy adjoining structures. Loss of whole organs, such as the nose, ear and eye, can occasionally occur. BCC's are more easily and successfully treated in their early stages. The larger a tumour the more extensive the treatment required. In many cases Basal Cell Cancers can be treated with Photodynamic Therapy- giving excellent cosmetic results with a high cure rate. Your dermatologist will guide you as to which types of BCCs are treatable with PDT.
Squamous Cell Cancers and In Situ Tumors
Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ
Bowen’s Disease is a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) which has not spread beyond the epidermis (first layer of skin). These cancers can develop into an SCC if left untreated. They are usually red, scaly plaques and are quite common on lower legs and feet. In most cases, Squamous cell carcinomas in situ can be treated with non-surgical modalities such as Photodynamic Therapy.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
The second most common form of skin cancer is the SCC. It may grow much faster than a BCC. SCC's may occasionally spread throughout the body (metastasize).
SCCs usually form a scaly, quickly growing pink lump or wart-like growth, which may also break down, crust, bleed and ulcerate. They do not usually cause pain but may be tender, or cause a burning or stinging sensation. They most commonly occur on areas exposed to a lot of sunlight such as the face, ears, (bald) scalp, lips and backs of the hands.
People who have had organ transplants, or medications to suppress their immune system for other reasons, are at higher risk of developing SCCs. In transplant patients SCCs are also more likely to grow quickly and spread throughout the body. This makes regular skin checks and early treatment of skin cancers extremely important for people who have had transplants or have suppressed immune systems for other reasons.
Malignant Melanoma
Malignant melanomas are less common than BCCs and SCCs, but a much more dangerous skin cancer. Like SCCs and BCCs, melanomas can occur on exposed skin, but they also occur on skin that is generally covered, but which has been sunburnt in the past. Malignant melanomas may spread throughout the body and cause death. Melanomas either develop from an existing mole or appear as a new brown, red or black spot which changes and grows in size.
Other types of skin cancers
There are some other rare forms of skin cancer. Some skin cancers originate from the skins sweat or oil glands, the nerves and other components of the skin. Cancers starting in other parts of the body such as the breast, or lung can also spread to involve the skin causing lumps, bumps or sores.
Skin Care Gems
- If you do nothing else for your skin use a good sunscreen on a daily basis. The regular use of sunscreen is the cornerstone for a skin care and can not be overemphasized- especially for the Queensland climate. Westside Dermatology carries an excellent range of skin care products endorsed by dermatologist World wide.
- As everyone has a General Practitioner, similarly, everyone should have their own personal dermatologist…who knows your skin better than a dermatologist? From skin checks to product recommendation, dermatologists are in the forefront of technology- we provide total skin care.
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective, targeted treatment that destroys cancer cells without harming surrounding tissue. Red light is used to activate a light sensitive substance that accumulates selectively in cancer cells.
Photodynamic therapy is an excellent modality for treating superficial skin cancers on cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face and chest.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2007
The PDT treatment worked very well – the cancer was completely gone. The advantage over some of the treatments that I have had is that PDT left no marks, which is very important for people with skin cancer on their face.
P. Shields, Aged 72
PDT Patient