Removing Skin Cancer: Treatment Options and Recovery

Getting a skin cancer diagnosis can feel scary. But it’s important to know that many skin cancers can be successfully treated, especially when caught early. Removing Skin Cancer is often the first and most important step in treatment. This guide will help you understand what skin cancer is, why removing it is important, and what to expect during and after treatment. We’ll keep things simple and easy to understand.

Skin Cancer

Imagine your skin as a very busy place, made up of tiny building blocks called cells. Normally, these cells grow, divide, and then die in a controlled way. Skin cancer happens when some of these skin cells start to grow out of control. They don’t die when they should, and can form lumps or patches that look different from the rest of your skin.

Think of it like a garden. Most plants grow nicely, but sometimes a weed pops up and grows really fast, taking over. Skin cancer is a bit like that weed – it’s an uncontrolled growth of skin cells.

Types of Skin Cancer

There are a few main types of skin cancer, and it’s good to know the basics about them:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): This is the most common type of skin cancer. It usually grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. It often looks like a pearly bump, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a flat, scaly patch. BCCs are often found on parts of your body that get a lot of sun, like your face, neck, and arms.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): This is the second most common type. Like BCCs, SCCs also usually appear on sun-exposed areas. They can look like a red, scaly patch, a firm red bump, or a sore that doesn’t heal. While SCCs are more likely to spread than BCCs, this is still not very common, especially if caught early.
• Melanoma: This is the most serious type of skin cancer, but it’s also less common than BCCs or SCCs. Melanoma develops from cells that give your skin its colour. It can appear as a new spot or a change in an existing mole. Melanoma can grow quickly and, if not treated, can spread to other parts of the body. This is why early detection and removal are so important for melanoma.

Why is Removing Skin Cancer Necessary?

You might be wondering why we can’t just leave skin cancer alone. The simple answer is that skin cancer doesn’t usually go away on its own. In fact, if left untreated, it can:

• Grow bigger: The cancerous cells will continue to multiply, making the affected area larger.
• Cause more damage: As it grows, the cancer can destroy healthy skin tissue around it.
• Spread: In some cases, especially with melanoma and some SCCs, the cancer cells can break away and travel to other parts of your body through your bloodstream or lymphatic system. This is called metastasis, and it makes the cancer much harder to treat.

Removing skin cancer early is key to preventing it from causing more problems and giving you the best chance of a full recovery. It’s like putting out a small fire before it becomes a big one.

Methods of Removing Skin Cancer

Doctors have several ways to remove skin cancer, and the best method for you will depend on the type of cancer, its size, where it is on your body, and your overall health. Here are some common methods:

• Surgical Excision (Cutting it Out): This is a very common method, especially for BCCs, SCCs, and melanomas. The doctor uses a scalpel (a very sharp surgical tool) to cut out the cancerous area along with a small amount of healthy skin around it. This healthy border helps make sure all the cancer cells are removed. The wound is then stitched closed.
• Mohs Surgery: This is a very precise type of surgery often used for skin cancers on the face, hands, or other areas where saving as much healthy skin as possible is important. It’s also good for larger cancers or those that have come back after previous treatment. In Mohs surgery, the doctor removes a very thin layer of skin at a time and immediately looks at it under a microscope. If cancer cells are still present, another thin layer is removed from only the exact spot where the cancer remains. This process continues until no cancer cells are seen. This method helps to remove all the cancer while leaving as much healthy tissue as possible.
• Curettage and Electrodesiccation (Scraping and Burning): This method is often used for small, superficial BCCs and SCCs. The doctor scrapes away the cancerous tissue with a special spoon-shaped tool called a curette. Then, an electrical current destroys any remaining cancer cells and stops bleeding. This process is usually repeated a few times.
• Cryotherapy (Freezing): This involves using liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the cancer cells. It’s often used for very small, early skin cancers or pre-cancerous spots. The frozen area will blister and then scab over, eventually falling off.
• Topical Treatments (Creams and Gels): For very superficial (on the surface) skin cancers or pre-cancerous spots, your doctor might prescribe a cream or gel that you apply to the skin. These creams contain medicines that target and destroy the abnormal cells. This is not typically used for melanoma.

How is the Removal Procedure Performed?

Most skin cancer removal procedures are outpatient, meaning you don’t need to stay overnight in a hospital. Here’s a general idea of what happens:

1. Local Anaesthetic: First, the doctor will numb the area where the cancer is with an injection, similar to what a dentist does to numb your mouth. You might feel a small sting or pinch, but after that, you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure. You’ll be awake and able to talk.
2. Removal: Once the area is numb, the doctor will carefully remove the cancerous tissue using the chosen method (cutting, scraping, freezing, etc.).
3. Wound Closure (if applicable): The doctor will stitch the wound closed if the cancer was cut out. Sometimes, a skin graft (taking a small piece of skin from another part of your body to cover the wound) or a flap (moving nearby skin to cover the wound) might be needed, especially for larger excisions.
4. Dressing: The area will be covered with a bandage to protect the wound.

What to Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure

Knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared.

Before the Procedure

• Discussion with your Doctor: Your doctor will explain the procedure, its risks, and what to expect. This is your chance to ask any questions you have.
• Medical History: You’ll be asked about your health history, any medications you take, and any allergies.
• Preparation: You might be asked to avoid certain medications before the procedure, like blood thinners. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

During the Procedure

• Comfort: The area will be numbed, so you shouldn’t feel pain, though you might feel some pressure or movement.
• Time: The length of the procedure depends on the type and size of the cancer. Some are very quick, others, like Mohs surgery, can take several hours.

After the Procedure

• Pain: Once the anaesthetic wears off, you might feel some mild pain or discomfort. Your doctor can recommend pain relief if needed.
• Swelling and Bruising: It’s common to have some swelling and bruising around the treated area.
• Wound Care: You’ll be given specific instructions on how to care for your wound, including how to clean it and when to change dressings. This is very important for proper healing and to prevent infection.
• Stitches: If you have stitches, you’ll usually need to have them removed by a doctor or nurse in about one to two weeks.
• Follow-up Appointments: You’ll have follow-up appointments to check on your healing and to get the results of the lab tests on the removed tissue.

Risks and Complications of Skin Cancer Removal

While skin cancer removal is generally safe, like any medical procedure, there are some potential risks and complications. These are usually minor, but it’s good to be aware:

• Pain and Discomfort: As mentioned, some pain is normal, but severe or persistent pain should be reported to your doctor.
• Bleeding: There might be some minor bleeding during or after the procedure.
• Infection: Any time the skin is broken, there’s a risk of infection. Following wound care instructions carefully helps reduce this risk. Signs of infection include increased redness, swelling, pus, or fever.
• Scarring: All skin removal procedures will leave a scar. The size and appearance of the scar depend on the size and location of the removed cancer, and how your body heals. Your doctor will try to make the scar as unnoticeable as possible.
• Numbness: If nerves are close to the treated area, you might experience temporary or, in rare cases, permanent numbness in that area.
• Recurrence: While the goal is to remove all cancer cells, there’s always a small chance that the cancer could come back in the same spot or nearby. This is why regular check-ups are important.

Recovery and Aftercare Following Skin Cancer Removal

Proper aftercare is crucial for good healing and to reduce the risk of problems.

• Keep the Wound Clean and Dry: Follow your doctor’s instructions on how and when to clean the wound. Avoid getting the wound wet for the first 24-48 hours, or as advised.
• Change Dressings: Change dressings as instructed. This helps keep the wound clean and protected.
• Avoid Strenuous Activity: Depending on the location of the treated area, you might need to avoid heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for a period to prevent stress on the wound and promote healing.
• Pain Management: Take pain relief as recommended by your doctor if you experience discomfort.
• Monitor for Infection: Watch for any signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, pus, fever) and contact your doctor immediately if you notice them.
• Sun Protection: Once the wound has healed, it is very important to protect the new skin from the sun. Scars are particularly sensitive to sunlight and can darken or become more noticeable if exposed. Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade.
• Attend Follow-Up Appointments: These appointments are vital. Your doctor will check your healing, remove stitches if needed, and discuss the results of the lab tests on the removed tissue. They will also talk about your long-term follow-up plan.

Long-Term Skin Cancer Prevention

Removing skin cancer is a big step, but preventing new ones is just as important. Here’s how you can protect your skin:

• Sun Protection is Key: This is the most important step.
  • Seek Shade: Especially during the middle of the day (10 am to 4 pm) when the sun’s UV rays are strongest.
  • Wear Protective Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a wide-brimmed hat offer excellent protection.
  • Use Sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher generously to all exposed skin, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
  • Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them.
• Avoid Sunbeds/Tanning Beds: These emit harmful UV radiation and significantly increase your risk of skin cancer. There’s no such thing as a “safe” tan from a sunbed.
• Regular Skin Checks: Get to know your skin and check it regularly for any new or changing spots. If you notice anything concerning, see your doctor.
• Professional Skin Checks: Consider having regular professional skin checks with your doctor or a dermatologist, especially if you have many moles, a history of sunburns, or a family history of skin cancer.

When to See a Doctor for Skin Cancer

Don’t wait if you’re concerned about a spot on your skin. It’s always best to get it checked by a doctor. See your doctor if you notice:

• A new spot: Especially if it’s growing, changing in colour, or has an irregular shape.
• A mole that changes: Any changes in size, shape, colour, or if it starts to itch, bleed, or become crusty.
• A sore that doesn’t heal: Or a sore that keeps coming back.
• Any unusual lump or patch on your skin: That looks different from the rest.

Remember, early detection is crucial for successful skin cancer treatment. Your local doctor Brunswick is a good starting point for any skin concerns. They can assess your skin and, if needed, refer you to a specialist like a dermatologist or a surgeon.

Cost Considerations for Skin Cancer Removal

The cost of skin cancer removal can vary depending on several factors:

• Type of Procedure: More complex procedures like Mohs surgery might cost more than a simple excision or cryotherapy.
• Location of the Clinic: Costs can differ between private clinics and public hospitals.
• Doctor’s Fees: Specialist fees can vary.
• Medicare and Private Health Insurance: In Australia, Medicare will cover a portion of the costs for medically necessary procedures. If you have private health insurance, it might cover some of the remaining costs, depending on your level of cover. It’s always a good idea to speak to your doctor’s office or clinic beforehand to estimate the costs and understand what Medicare and your private health insurance might cover. Don’t be afraid to ask about out-of-pocket expenses.

Conclusion

Finding out you have skin cancer can be worrying, but understanding your treatment options and what to expect can help you feel more in control. Many skin cancers are highly treatable, especially when caught early. 

By working closely with your doctor, following their advice, and committing to good sun protection habits, you can look forward to a healthy future.

Early Detection Saves Lives

If you have any concerns about a spot on your skin or if you’ve noticed any changes, please don’t delay. 

Make an appointment to see your doctor in Brunswick or Pascoe Vale doctors for a skin check.