Dr Leo Kim offers various surgical options for patients with minor and more severe cases of skin cancers.
Skin cancer is a scary topic and it’s caused when skin cells are damaged due to exposure to the sun for example. In Australia, unfortunately we have the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. We have the highest rates since the ozone layer, which is responsible for absorbing the sun’s ultraviolet radiation (UV) has begun to gradually deplete. This occurs most commonly near the North and South Poles.
The reduced ozone layer means that our atmosphere is slowly losing its protective layer, allowing more dangerous UV radiation to enter and reach the surface of Earth. In fact, skin cancer is so bad in Australia that the Cancer Council states that:
- 80% of newly diagnosed cancers are skin cancer
- Australia’s rates are two to three times higher than the US, Canada and the UK
The majority of Australia’s skin cancer numbers are caused by overexposure to the sun. But what are the types of skin cancer and what should you look out for?
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Melanoma
The deadliest skin cancer is known as melanoma and it can occur on any part of the body – even parts that haven’t been exposed to the sun. Melanoma is more commonly diagnosed in men than women.
The risks for men involve 1 in 13 men being diagnosed with a melanoma by age 85. Whereas 1 in 21 women will be diagnosed with a melanoma.
The warning signs of melanoma
Unfortunately, sometimes melanomas can have no visible symptoms. However usually the first visible sign is a change to an existing mole or formation of a new one. According to the Cancer Council, you should look out for:
- Colour – a mole may change colour, or become blotchy with multiple shades
- Size – a mole may start to grow
- Shape – a mole may form an irregular border or increase in height
- Elevation – a mole may form a raised area
- Itching or bleeding.
If there is a risk of a spot being a melanoma, your doctor will take a biopsy, check your lymph nodes and perform a full physical examination.
Non-melanoma skin cancers
The most common forms of skin cancer in Australia are the non-melanoma ones, of which Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) are the most common.
Fortunately, most non-melanoma skin cancers are not life-threatening.
Signs of Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
- Scaly dry area that is either shiny or pale pink
- A pearly lump
Signs of Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
- Thickened red scaly spot
- May be tender
- Rapidly growing lump
- Sore that has not healed
Dr Leo Kim offers surgical skin cancer removal
Surgical removal of melanomas
Melanomas which are in the early stages can be removed through surgery. Melanomas which have spread to the lymph nodes will require a lymphadenectomy where the melanoma, the lymph nodes and other sections will be surgically removed.
However, advanced melanomas which have spread to the organs, bones and other parts of the body will require surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapy and other forms of treatment to slow the spread and hope to prevent further spread.
Surgical removal of non-melanoma skin cancer
Surgery is the most common form of treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers. They will usually always be removed, and only require a local anaesthetic.
In more advanced cases of non-melanoma skin cancer, surrounding tissue will have to be removed to ensure the entire skin cancer is gone.
Reconstructive surgery after skin cancer removal
Specialist plastic surgeon Dr Leo Kim is able to not only offer skin cancer removal but offer restorative plastic surgery once the skin cancer has been removed.
Sometimes skin cancer removal can leave the area of the body with a lot of missing tissue. Unfortunately, a lot of the time skin cancer can form on the face, requiring removal of some of the very features which define the person.
For this reason, Dr Leo Kim is a specialist plastic surgeon who provides reconstructive surgery to improve the aesthetics, provide a more natural appearance, and restore form to the face and other areas of the body.
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Get in touch with Dr Leo Kim
If you need to have a skin cancer removed, get in touch with Dr Leo Kim as he performs skin cancer removal surgeries. Alternatively, if you are looking for reconstructive surgery following skin cancer removal, Dr Leo Kim is an expert in this area. Contact him today.
Skin Cancer FAQs
Dr Leo Kim and his experienced Sydney team have answered frequently asked questions regarding this treatment and the process involved. If you have a separate question or concern, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.
The first warning signs are changes to your skin. This may include new growths or lesions. Skin cancer may appear as lumps, bumps, sores or spots. These could be new spots or changes in the appearance of existing spots.
It depends on the type of skin cancer. For example, melanomas must be treated as soon as possible as they can turn life-threatening within as little as six weeks. Whereas others may take months to years. For this reason, it’s important to regularly check your own skin every three months and have a doctor check it once a year.
Most skin cancer removals will only require local anaesthetic. However, some more extensive forms of skin cancer may require general anaesthetic.
Skin Cancer Surgery Sydney CBD
When you come in to see Dr Leo Kim at Quayside Specialists, Sydney CBD, we will ensure you feel self-assured about your decision and are fully informed on all the options suitable for your needs.
Contact us today to book a consultation or make an enquiry.