Skin Cancer

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancers are abnormal growths that need to be removed as early as possible. Most skin cancers in Perth can be divided into two main types: non-melanoma skin cancers, and melanoma skin cancers.

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the commonest type of skin cancer in Perth, and fortunately it cannot spread beyond its original location. Although it often grows slowly it needs to be removed before it grows deep beneath the skin and affects surrounding body parts.
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is another common type of skin cancer in Perth, and usually develops in parts of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun (e.g. head, neck, arms). Only rarely can SCC spread from its original location, and if left untreated it can cause significant problems.

Melanoma

• Melanoma is another common type of skin cancer in Perth. Melanoma can develop from the skin cells that give your skin colour (melanocytes). While most moles or freckles are safe, some moles may begin to change shape or colour, potentially resulting in melanoma. As melanoma can be more aggressive than other types of skin cancer, melanoma treatment needs to be more aggressive, meaning a wider ‘safety margin’ of tissue often needs to be removed.
• Melanoma surgery in Perth can also involve a sentinel node biopsy – this involves taking a sample of lymph nodes to assess if melanoma might have spread to them. If a sentinel node biopsy is indicated then Dr Colbert will discuss this with you during your pre-operative consultation.

What is the recovery after skin cancer surgery?

Recovery after skin cancer surgery is usually straightforward, although it does depend on how big your skin lesion is and the extent of surgery required.

In general, recovery for most patients involves:

• 1-2 days off work
• 1-2 days of mild pain or tenderness
• 1 week off vigorous exercise
• 1 – 2 follow up appointments
• Sutures removed between 5 and 14 days
• Wound care for 1 – 2 months (usually just daily cream or tapes)

Dr. Colbert personally follows up each patient to discuss your results and ensure your wound is healing without concern.

What are the risks associated with skin cancer surgery?

Skin cancer surgery can be associated with the following risks:

• Wound infection.
• Bleeding, bruising, and haematoma.
• Poor wound healing.
• Abnormal scarring, including hypertrophic, keloid, and stretched scars.
• Damage to surrounding structures, such as nerves.
• Incomplete excision.
• Dissatisfaction with appearance.

Skin cancer surgery is like any surgical procedures in that it carries risks – therefore before having any operation you should always speak to an appropriately qualified health practitioner about these potential risks.

How much does skin cancer removal cost?

Costs associated with plastic surgery and skin cancer surgery in Perth can be confusing.

To help make things clearer we have listed the the following fees that make up the final cost of skin cancer surgery treatment.

• Surgical fee: the costs of skin cancer surgery are mostly paid for by Medicare and your private health fund. Depending on the nature of your operation there will be some out of pocket expenses, sometimes known as a ‘gap’. Dr Colbert will discuss these costs with you during your consultation.
• Anaesthetic fee: if you have your skin cancer surgery under anaesthesia, then the costs of anaesthesia are mostly paid for by Medicare and your private health fund. Depending on the nature of your operation there may be some out of pocket expenses.
• Hospital fee (this includes operation room fee, bed costs, surgical or medication fees, and any other hospital extras): Medicare does not cover this fee. If you have private health insurance then this may be covered by your insurance fund, but you should check with your fund if there is any out of pocket expenses. If you have no private insurance then you will have to pay this fee on discharge from the hospital.