Skin cancer is more prevalent in Australia than anywhere else around the globe. Dr Alaina Taylor is a female Specialist Plastic Surgeon and a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) who performs skin cancer surgery at East Sydney Private Hospital. Westmead Private Hospital and The Mater Hospital in North Sydney. As Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Taylor can assist with effective skin cancer management. Let’s explore the most common types of skin cancer and how they can be treated through surgery.
Skin Cancer Types
The three main kinds of skin cancer are:
- Basal cell carcinoma, formed in basal cells in the lower epidermis (outside skin)
- Squamous cell carcinoma, formed in squamous cells in the skin’s outer layer
- Melanoma, formed in melanocyte cells that produce melanin, the brown pigment that gives skin its colour and protects against UV ray damage
Non-melanoma skin cancers (basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma) are the most common skin cancers diagnosed in Australia, with over one million treatments every year. Melanoma accounts for 1-2% of all skin cancer cases.
Skin Cancer Treatments
In the early stages, skin cancer may be removed through a biopsy alone, especially if it’s small and limited to the skin’s surface. Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen), immunotherapy, radiation and photodynamic therapy may be used alone or in conjunction with skin cancer surgery.
Here are the most common skin cancer surgeries, performed by Dr Alaina Taylor.
Excisional surgery
Dr Taylor removes the tumour and a portion of the surrounding healthy skin to ensure all cancer tissue is gone. Mohs surgery is similar, but only the diseased tissue is removed. It’s used to treat basal cell and squamous cell cancer in sensitive areas like the ears, eyelids, lips, forehead, fingers, scalp or genitals.
Curettage and Electrodesiccation
Dr Taylor uses a sharp instrument with a looped edge to scrape across the tumour and remove cancer cells. Next, an electric needle is used to destroy the remaining cells of basal or squamous cancers and precancerous tumours.
Skin Cancer Management
Skin cancer signs and symptoms include:
- New or existing spots that appear red, scaly and/or itchy
- Spots that bleed and don’t heal
- Moles or freckles changing in colour, size, texture and/or shape
- Unusual spots in areas with high sun exposure, like the face, neck, ears, scalp, hands, shoulders and back
Everyone should prioritise regular skin checks, which are especially important for those with a high risk of developing skin cancer. This includes people with a personal or family history, fair skin, light hair and blue eyes, or previous immunosuppression and radiation exposure.
If a skin lesion is diagnosed as skin cancer, a prompt and detailed treatment plan is required to eliminate the cancer and prevent recurrence. Dr Taylor will walk you through the options for skin cancer surgery and advise on the best treatment options available.
Schedule a Consultation for Skin Cancer Surgery in North Sydney
To safeguard your health and prevent skin cancer from silently spreading, it’s a good idea to see a skin cancer surgery professional who can help. Dr Alaina Taylor provides skin cancer management, starting with initial consultations in Westmead and North Sydney. Get in touch to schedule your appointment today.
Dr Alaina Taylor is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency – MED0001195709 as a female Specialist Plastic Surgeon.