Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. It is the most common of all cancers. Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world; more than two-thirds of the Australian population will develop a skin cancer of some kind during their lives.

Skin cancer usually occurs in people who have been exposed to too much ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. People in the higher risk category of developing skin cancer usually have:

  • Fair skin and freckle easily
  • Light-coloured hair and eyes
  • A large number of moles, or moles of unusual size or shape
  • A family history of skin cancer or a personal history of blistering sunburn
  • Spent a lot of time working or playing outdoors
  • Intense, year-round sun exposure. This includes people who live closer to the equator, at a higher altitude, or in any place that gets intense sunshine

Skin cancer needs to be treated promptly as it can be just as life threatening as any other cancer if left untreated. The danger of skin cancer is that it can spread (metastasise) to other parts of the body if treatment is not undertaken.

What are the types of skin cancer?

There are three main types of skin cancer:

  • Basal cell carcinoma
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Melanoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is by far the most common type of skin cancer. Fortunately, it’s also the least dangerous. Three-quarters of Australians who have skin cancer have BCC. It tends to grow slowly, and rarely spreads beyond its original site. However, if left untreated, it can grow deep beneath the skin and into the underlying tissue and bone, causing serious damage, particularly if it is located near the eye.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is faster growing than Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC). Of those Australians with skin cancer, about 2 in 10 have a SCC. It frequently appears on the head, neck, hands and forearms, which typically receive more sunlight. SCC is more dangerous than BCC because it can spread to other parts of the body if not treated promptly. SCC can become life threatening if left untreated.

SCC looks like a red scaly spot or lump and is usually thickened. It can bleed easily and may ulcerate. It is usually tender to the touch.

Although melanomas are usually highly malignant, they occur in only about 5 people out of 100 with skin cancer. Melanoma can usually be treated successfully if diagnosed early. If it’s not treated quickly, however, malignant melanoma may spread throughout the body and is often deadly. Malignant melanoma can occur on any part of the body, including areas that have not been exposed to the sun. In women, it is more common in the arms and legs, and in men on the face, back and chest. About half of all cases of melanoma develop from moles. The other half develop on previously normal skin as a new lesion.

Two other common types of skin growths are moles and keratoses.

Moles are clusters of heavily pigmented skin cells, either flat or raised above the skin surface. While most pose no danger, some-particularly large moles present at birth, or those with mottled colours and poorly defined borders, may develop into malignant melanoma. Moles are frequently removed for cosmetic reasons, or because they’re constantly irritated by clothing or jewellery.

Solar or actinic keratosis are rough, red or brown, scaly patches on the skin. They are usually found on areas exposed to the sun.

Basal and squamous cell carcinomas can vary widely in appearance. The cancer may appear as:

Small, white or pink nodules or bumps that are smooth and shiny, waxy, or pitted on the surface

  • A red spot that is rough, dry, or scaly
  • A firm, red lump that may form a crust
  • A crusted group of nodules
  • A sore that bleeds or doesn’t heal after two to four weeks
  • A white patch that looks like scar tissue

Malignant melanoma is usually signalled by a change in the size, shape, or colour of an existing mole, or as a new growth on normal skin.

Watch for the “ABCD” warning signs of melanoma:

Asymmetry – a growth with unmatched halves

Border irregularity – ragged or blurred edges

Colour – a mottled appearance, with shades of tan, brown, and black, sometimes mixed with red, white, or blue

Diameter – a growth more than 6 millimetres across (about the size of a pencil eraser), or any unusual increase in size

It is important that you get to know your skin and examine it regularly, from the top of your head to the soles of your feet, including your back. If you notice any unusual changes on any part of your body, talk to your GP for an examination.

If your GP suspects that you may have a skin cancer, a biopsy may be needed for diagnosis. This is a quick and simple procedure usually done under local anaesthesia. For a known BCC or SCC, the lesion is usually cut out and sent to a pathology lab for examination under a microscope.

Most skin cancers on the face and legs are removed surgically, by a specialist Plastic Surgeon. If the cancer is small, the procedure can be done quickly and easily. The procedure may be a simple excision, which usually leaves a thin, barely visible scar. If examination shows that all the cancer cells have been removed, you may not need further treatment.

For a suspected melanoma, the surgeon may remove all or part of the lesion. It is then sent to a laboratory so a pathologist can examine it under a microscope. Depending on the pathologist’s report, a wider excision (that is, taking more skin more deeply) may be recommended. In which case, a skin graft or a skin flap may be required to repair a large area of skin.

Some possible complications and risks associated with surgery to remove a skin cancer may include:

  • Heavy bleeding from an operated site
  • Infection that may require treatment with antibiotics or further surgery in some cases
  • Incomplete excision of the skin cancer which requires further surgery
  • Wound breakdown
  • Loss of skin graft or flap requiring further surgery
  • Scarring of the surgical site including keloids or lumpy scar tissue, which are pink, raised and irregularly shaped. These scars may be inflamed and itchy
  • Allergic reaction to sutures, dressings or antiseptic solutions
  • Complications such as heart attack, pulmonary embolism or stroke may be caused by a blood clot, which can be life threatening
  • Pain, bruising and swelling around the operated site(s)
  • Slow healing, often related to smoking or diabetes
  • Short-term nausea following general anaesthesia and other risks related to anaesthesia

Depending upon the cancer and the extent of the procedure, surgery for the removal of skin cancer can be performed either as a day case or a short hospital stay at Kawana Private Hospital. There is a small minor operating theatre at Plastic Surgery Queensland that can also  be utilised for skin cancer removal.

Before undergoing surgery, it is important that you:

  • Check with your surgeon about your medications as some may need to be stopped
  • Stop smoking

You will also be asked to provide a complete medical history for your Plastic Surgeon including any health problems you have had, any medication you are taking or have taken, and any allergies you may have.

You may be advised to stop taking certain medicines such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, and medicines that contain aspirin. You may also be asked to stop taking naturopathic substances such as Fish oil, garlic, ginkgo, ginseng and St John’s Wort as they may affect clotting and anaesthesia. Always tell your surgeon EVERYTHING you are taking.

Your surgeon will also advise you if any other tests are required, such as blood tests, X-ray examinations.

Make sure you arrange for a relative or friend to drive you to and from the hospital

Someone should also stay with you for at least 24 hours after you return home.

Depending on the extent of the procedure, you may be able to go home the same day. With more complex cases, you may have to stay overnight in hospital or for a few days.

In the case of minor procedures, you may experience some pain and mild discomfort. If a large skin cancer has been removed or a skin graft performed, discomfort and pain may be significant. Pain relief may be required for several days, your doctor will prescribe painkillers if required.

It is normal to experience bruising and swelling. This will usually settle down in the week after surgery. Elevating the affected area will help reduce swelling.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, notify your surgeon immediately:

  • Temperature higher than 38ºC or chills
  • Nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath or diarrhoea
  • Heavy bleeding from the incisions
  • Leakage of blood or fluid beyond the first day after surgery
  • Worsening and/or spreading redness around the incision sites
  • Increasing pain or tenderness
  • Any other concerns or problems regarding your surgery, particularly if it appears to be worsening

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on post-operative care. These instructions may include:

  • How to care for your surgical site after surgery
  • Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection
  • Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site

You will be seen a week after surgery in the rooms at Plastic Surgery Queensland for removal of Sutures. This will be undertaken by the experienced nursing staff at Plastic Surgery Queensland

Depending on where the lesion was removed from.  Facial lesions usually 2 weeks; upper and lower limbs 4-6 weeks however every case is individual.

Scars are an inevitable part of any surgery, however we educate you on taping/silicone gel which will help minimise the scars.

In the case of removing a large skin cancer, further surgery may be necessary. If the cancer is large or if it has spread to the lymph glands or elsewhere in the body, major surgery may be required. It is important that you have realistic expectations of the functional and cosmetic outcomes from the surgery.

Over exposure to sunlight in childhood and adolescence is a major factor in the development of skin cancer. In recent years, more young adults and even teenagers have been diagnosed with skin cancer related to over-exposure to the sun.

To reduce the risk of developing skin cancer, you should:

  • Avoid the sun between 10am and 3pm when UV intensity is at its greatest
  • Wear a broad-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses
  • Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants of tightly woven cotton
  • Use sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 50+
  • Apply sunscreen well before swimming or exercising to allow it to absorb into the skin
  • Replace the sunscreen every few hours if perspiring or swimming
  • Wear protective swimwear at the beach, this is especially important for children

More information available from Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.