At Montserrat Medical Services, we specialise in the diagnosis, treatment and expert removal of various types of skin cancers. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Australia, which is why early detection and expedited surgery are necessary to prevent the disease from spreading. Our experienced skin cancer specialists use the latest surgical techniques to make sure only healthy tissue remains after cancerous cells are removed.
Skin Cancer Removal
Understanding Skin Cancer
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer occurs when the skin cells become damaged, usually because of overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Damage causes cancerous cells to form, which can develop into different types of skin cancer, including basal cell cancers, squamous cell cancers, melanoma and more.
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are non-melanoma skin cancers, also known as keratinocyte cancers.
- Most small skin cancers are treatable when caught early, with surgical excision being the most common method used.
- While many non-melanoma skin cancers don’t pose a serious health risk, delaying treatment can result in more extensive surgery being required.
Types of Skin Cancers
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Melanoma
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most commonly occurring skin cancer, which occurs in the lower layer of the epidermis.. BCCs generally appear as small, shiny lumps or red, scaly patches that can bleed or develop into a sore that doesn’t heal. If left untreated, basal cell skin cancer can invade nearby normal-looking tissue and subsequently need wider excisions or even reconstructive surgery.
A more aggressive type of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), comes from squamous cells in the outer layer of the skin. Squamous cell skin cancer can present itself as thickened, red, scaly lumps or ulcerated sores. If not removed in time, SCC can spread to nearby lymph nodes and increase the risk of metastasis – this means the cancer cells have moved beyond the original site to other parts of the body, making the condition more serious and harder to treat.
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, as it has the potential to spread rapidly to lymph nodes and other organs. It can appear as a new or changing mole and might have an irregular shape or multiple colours. Early diagnosis and skin cancer removal will greatly improve survival rates.
Diagnosing Skin Cancer
Early detection of skin cancer greatly improves the chances of successful treatment. It’s important to regularly check your skin and speak with your GP or one of our skin cancer specialists if you notice any new, changing, or unusual spots.
During an examination, your doctor will assess any suspicious lesions and look for signs of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma. If needed, they may perform a biopsy — a procedure where a small sample of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to determine whether cancerous cells are present.
In some cases, your GP may refer you to a specialist, for further assessment and treatment. If a diagnosis of skin cancer is confirmed, your doctor will discuss the most appropriate treatment options, which may include surgical excision.
Skin Cancer Treatment Options
The treatment team at Montserrat Medical Services provide multiple skin-cancer treatment options based on the type, size and location of your cancerous cells.
- Surgery is the most common treatment, particularly for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
- Cryotherapy and topical treatments might also be considered viable options.
- For larger tumours, skin grafts or skin flaps might be necessary for reconstruction.
Surgical Techniques
Standard excision is a technique in which your surgeon removes the cancerous tissue along with a surrounding margin of healthy skin to reduce the risk of recurrence. It’s especially effective for well-defined skin cancers, as it will ensure all the malignant cells are eliminated.
Another surgical option – shave excision – can be used for superficial skin cancers and involves carefully shaving off thin layers of the affected tissue. It can be used on lesions that don’t extend deep into the skin, and it’s a less-invasive approach with minimal scarring and generally faster healing.
Non-Surgical Techniques
Your specialist might recommend the use of topical treatments, which can include medicated creams and gels that are directly applied to the skin to target and destroy cancer cells over time.
Removing Cancer Cells
The main goal of any method to treat skin cancer is to completely remove all the cancerous cells while stopping the disease from spreading to nearby skin or other parts of the body. From surgical excision to non-surgical techniques like cryotherapy, different treatments can be used to eliminate basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
In some cases, when a large skin cancer is removed, a skin graft might be necessary to restore the affected area. Usually, this involves using healthy skin from another part of the body to support the healing process and retain the skin’s natural appearance.
Why Choose Montserrat
We deliver an exceptional level of care in private day-hospital facilities. Every patient receives the highest standard of treatment in a safe and modern environment. Our highly skilled specialists are experts in skin cancer surgery, and they use the latest surgical techniques to remove cancerous cells while minimising scarring.
For eligible privately insured patients, we offer no-gap surgery to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. We also provide same-day consultation and surgery options for select cases, which means your treatment process is streamlined and you get faster access to essential medical care. Uninsured and self-funded patients receive the same level of service and support, with our team able to provide clear, all-inclusive quotes to make your treatment planning transparent and straightforward.
Our Doctors
Dr Grace Lim
General Surgeon | MBBS, MS, FRACS
No Gap Doctor
Telehealth Available
Languages: Malay, Mandarin & English
Dr Kevin Hung
General Surgeon | FRACS MBBS
No Gap Doctor
Languages: Mandarin (Chinese), Hokkien & English
Dr Rasika Kotakadeniya
General Surgeon | MBBS MS FRACS
No Gap Doctor
Languages: Sinhalese & English
Recovery and Aftercare
Following skin-cancer surgery, most patients will have their wounds closed with stitches. Mild tightness and tenderness around the excision site are to be expected in the first few days, but discomfort will usually subside with proper postoperative care.
For patients who need large skin-cancer removal, your doctor will discuss the most appropriate reconstruction options for your circumstances. To prevent any further damage and reduce the risk of future skin cancers, you will be advised to practise good sun protection by seeking out shade, wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen throughout the day, especially when UV levels reach three or higher.
Book a Consultation
Consultations for skin cancer removal are conducted on-site. Our team will assess your condition and provide a custom treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Call (07) 3833 6701 to schedule an appointment with our skin cancer specialists today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most skin cancer surgeries are performed under local anaesthetic so patients experience as little discomfort as possible. Larger excisions might require the use of general anaesthesia.
Costs depend on the type of procedure required and whether you have private health insurance. No gap surgery is available for eligible patients, while uninsured patients can expect competitive pricing with all-inclusive quotes available on request.