SKIN CANCER SURGERY:

Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. In Australia It is impossible to avoid damaging UVA/UVB rays, and many patients have sustained damage in the youth that manifests itself as skin cancer as they age.

Solar Keratoses (SK)

Solar keratoses are also known as sunspots. They present as red, scaly areas that occur in sun exposed areas, such as the face and hands. Solar keratoses are benign however can occasionally progress to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Many patients who have solar keratoses may be treated using Photo dynamic therapy (PDT) to prevent more serious conditions. Some may require surgery.

Keratoacanthoma (KA)

A keratoacanthoma is a rapidly growing tumour that looks similar to a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The only definite way to determine it is not an SCC is to excise it. It is considered to be a non-invasive scc and definitely requires surgical treatment.

Non Melanoma Skin Cancer

The 2 main types of non- melanoma skin cancer are Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Basal Cell Carcinoma 75% of skin cancers diagnosed are Basal Cell carcinomas (BCC). A BCC typically grows slowly over a period of weeks to months. If left untreated it forms a non – healing ulcer, that affects surrounding tissue. BCC’s usually appear on areas that are exposed to the sun such as face, chest, hands and lower legs. A BCC appears as a small round ,red lump, with a raised white or pearly edge.

Squamous Cell carcinoma

A squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is more rapidly growing than BCC. It is associated with prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV rays. An SCC is more serious than a BCC because it can spread to other parts of the body.
An SCC looks like a red, scaly spot. It often bleeds and ulcerates.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. Fortunately it can be treated successfully if diagnosed early. Only 1 in 20 people diagnosed with skin cancer have a melanoma.

Melanomas can develop in existing moles, or as a new lesion. Melanomas can appear anywhere on the body even in areas that have not been exposed to the sun. Treatment of melanoma using surgical excision is often successful.

Skin Cancer Surgery

All skin cancers need to be excised with a margin of normal tissue to ensure that they are fully excised. The excision leaves a defect that requires reconstruction in a number of ways.

Simple Excision

A skin cancer is removed as an ellipse. The length is usually 2 to 3 times the diameter of the skin cancer to avoid bunching of the skin. The ellipse is positioned to provide minimal scarring.

Wedge Excision

A wedge shaped excision is taken if a skin cancer involves the edge of an eyelid, nostril, lip or ear. These are cosmetically sensitive areas and a wedge excision provides the most aesthetically pleasing result without distortion of the involved structure.

Local Flap

A flap is a unit of tissue that has its own blood supply. Flaps are usually superior to grafts because they are taken from adjacent tissue and are able to provide a better colour and contour match. There are various types of flaps according to their shape and size (geometry). These flaps are known as advancement, rotation, transposition or island flaps.

Skin Graft

Larger defects may require additional skin to be used in order to cover the defect. Skin Grafts are classified by their composition.

Split Skin Graft

A split skin graft is a thin shaving of normal skin taken from a separate region (usually the thigh). The skin graft is then used to cover the raw area left after excision of the skin cancer. The donor site (thigh) usually heals by 10 to 14 days.

Full Thickness Skin Graft

The full thickness of the skin is excised from an area where there is loose skin (arm or groin). The wound is closed directly in 2 layers. This heals as a lineal scar. The graft is secured over the raw area. This thicker graft is more durable than a split thickness graft and has the advantage of avoiding a large donor site.

Composite Skin Graft

A composite skin graft is a full thickness skin graft with either preserved cartilage or fat just under the skin . This can give superior cosmetic results especially on the tip of the nose. The donor site is usually a wedge removed from the ear lobe that leaves a well tolerated and inconspicuous scar.

Where is Surgery Performed?

Most skin cancer surgery can be performed in Dr Laniewski’s rooms under local anaesthetic. This surgery qualifies for safety net rebates. Please enquire with Dr Laniewski’s staff for information regarding Registration for safety Net. More complicated procedures may require day stay in a private hospital facility with sedation and local anaesthetic. This avoids a general anaesthetic and leads to a much faster recovery.

Sutures are removed one week after surgery for facial lesions, other lesions may require a longer healing time before suture removal. Dr Laniewski will advise you when the appropriate time for suture removal is.
LED Light Therapy for superior wound healing may begin the day after surgery.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
PDT is able to eliminate particular types of early skin cancers, while rejuvenating your skin. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a clinically proven, non-surgical treatment for precancerous lesions. It involves the use of a photosensitizing solution that is placed on the face, or other site to be treated. This solution targets abnormal or damaged skin cells.

Once the solution has absorbed (1-2 hours) a measured dose of LED r light is shone on the treatment area for up to 20 minutes. To read more about PDT click here.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

PDT is able to eliminate particular types of early skin cancers, while rejuvenating your skin.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a clinically proven, non-surgical treatment for precancerous lesions.

PDT involves the use of a photosensitizing solution that is placed on the face, or other site to be treated. This solution targets abnormal or damaged skin cells.

Once the solution has absorbed (1-2 hours) a measured dose of LED r light is shone on the treatment area for up to 20 minutes.

The LED light reacts with the photosensitizing agent to target and eliminate damaged and precancerous cells.

During the treatment a tingling or burning sensation is felt and a sunburn-like reaction occurs.

After 7-10 days the damaged cells are eliminated and the skin heals revealing a clearer complexion.

skincancer

PDT gives patients the chance to target and eliminate the early signs of lessening the need for invasive surgery.
Repeated PDT treatments will provide a significant improvement in skin clarity, tone, texture, age spots, lines and wrinkles.
Prices start from $750

Call 1300322337 or visit www.drpeterlaniewski.com.au

PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY (PDT) FOR SKIN CANCER

It is safe to say that most Australian’s now understand the dangers of over exposure to the sun’s harmful rays. Unfortunately most of the damage was done in our youth. This damage presents itself as skin cancers, actinic and solar keratoses from about 35 years of age and up.

“Many of my patients wait until it is very late to have skin cancer treatment, and their only option is surgery. If you have a fair complexion and there is a history of skin cancer in your family it is definitely worth having some early preventative treatment using Photodynamic therapy, to stop potential skin cancers and avoid surgery.” Dr Laniewski

Photodynamic therapy involves application of a photosensitizing agent followed by exposure to an LED light source that activates the agent. This targets and destroys damaged or cancerous cells. PDT is an effective treatment for Several types of skin cancers including superficial Basal Cell carcinoma (BCC) squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in situ and actinic keratoses. PDT is a straightforward treatment performed as a day procedure in Dr Laniewski’s rooms.

It involves 3 main steps:

  1. The skin is prepared and then the photosensitizing agent is applied to the areas to be treated
  2. The agent is left to ‘incubate’ for a period of 1- 3 hours
  3. The patient is placed under an LED lamp for 20 minutes to complete the treatment.

“PDT is a powerful and effective treatment. It not only destroys precancerous and some cancerous cells, but it also rejuvenates the complexion, evens out the skin tone and eliminates fine lines” Dr Laniewski

PDT may also be used to treat acne, pigmentation and ageing. Call 1300322337 or visit www.drpeterlaniewski.com.au