Skin cancer

Skin cancer surgically removed

Skin cancer surgically removed

Facial keratosis

Facial keratosis surgically removed

Skin cancer

Skin cancer surgically removed

Skin Cancer Treatments

Skin Surgery

If detected early enough skin cancers are fully curable simply by surgical removal. At Skinsite procedures are performed onsite, under local anaesthetic. There is minimal downtime, with most procedures taking no more than 30 minutes, and it is possible to return back to work the same day.

Skin Surgery Process: After a discussion about the treatment plan, the lesion is marked out, the area is infiltrated with local anaesthetic and then the lesion is removed. Usually the only discomfort is with the numbing of the area. If dissolving sutures are used it is not necessary to return for stitches to be removed. A water proof dressing is often placed, which facilitates the ability to have light showers. Post operatively it is best to keep the areas dry, and free from excessive movement or exercise. If there are any concerns we can be easily contacted at any of the surgery numbers.

At Skinsite all lesions removed are sent away to the laboratory to be examined histologically.

Cryotherapy or Liquid Nitrogen

This is where liquid nitrogen is applied to lesions to ablate the abnormal tissue allowing new skin to heal from underneath. Often it is applied to precancerous actinic keratoses and ‘sun-spots’, but also seborrhoeic keratoses otherwise known as ‘senile warts’. It can also be used for some cancers in selected cases.

It is applied as a cool spray and can be uncomfortable. Some patients will take a simple analgesic such as Panadol beforehand. Afterwards, the treated lesions can become reddened, crusted and may blister. The healing process usually takes approximately 7 to 14 days. The face is quickest to heal and the legs take the longest. It is best to leave the areas to dry, pricking blisters only if they are uncomfortable yet leaving the roof intact, and most importantly, scabs should be left to fall off - not picked off. Light make up can be applied once crusts have formed.

Topical Creams

There are a variety of creams which may be prescribed to help treat the skin lesions. The type used depends on the lesion and the site. In some instances quite a marked inflammatory reaction can occur, in which case it is best to stop the application and contact the clinic. Topical creams can be a good alternative if surgery or cryotherapy is not suitable, but do require regular application on the patient’s part. If lesions are resistant to creams, a doctor’s review is essential.