Head & Neck Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer Removal Surgery
Surgical Excision is the most common treatment for BCC, SCC and localised melanoma. The tumour is surgically removed along with a margin of healthy tissue around it. This may be followed by reconstruction to restore function and aesthetics. If lymph node involvement is suspected or confirmed, a procedure known as neck dissection may be performed to remove affected lymph nodes. In cases involving the parotid gland near the ear, a parotidectomy may also be necessary.
Curettage and Electrodesiccation procedure may also be helpful. This involves scraping off the cancerous tissue with a curette (a sharp, spoon-shaped tool) and then using an electric needle to destroy any remaining cancer cells. Cryotherapy is yet another treatment for BCC. For superficial cases, topical medications are also effective.
Radiation Therapy and/or chemotherapy may be used in combination with surgery, especially for advanced or recurrent SCCs. Newer treatments targeting specific molecular pathways or utilising the immune system to fight cancer - Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy - are being investigated for SCCs, especially in cases that are resistant to standard therapies.
For patients with thicker melanoma or those who present high-risk features, Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) may be performed to determine if cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. SLNB involves identifying and removing the sentinel lymph node(s), which are the first lymph nodes that receive drainage from the tumour site. These nodes are identified by injecting a tracer substance (radioactive substance or dye) near the tumour, which then travels through the lymphatic channels to the sentinel node(s). By examining these nodes under a microscope, doctors can determine if cancer cells have spread beyond the primary tumour. This type of biopsy helps to assess the extent of cancer spread, guide further treatment decisions, and avoid the unnecessary removal of non-involved lymph nodes, thus reducing potential complications associated with more extensive lymph node dissections.
Depending on the stage and characteristics of the cancer, additional treatments such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation therapy may be recommended to reduce the risk of recurrence or to treat metastatic disease. For advanced melanoma that has spread to other parts of the body, palliative treatments may be used to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
During Surgery
Skin cancer removal is typically performed under local anaesthesia, sometimes with light sedation, depending on the size and complexity of the lesion. Larger skin cancers may necessitate general anesthesia. The duration of the procedure varies widely, from twenty minutes for simple excisions to several hours for more intricate surgeries. In cases where standard techniques like local flaps are inadequate, complex reconstructions involving tissue transplants from other parts of the body may be required. Antibiotics may be administered both during and after the surgical procedure to prevent infection. In some cases, a pathologist may be present to perform immediate analysis of the removed tissue (frozen section analysis), ensuring that the cancer has been completely excised. This approach minimises the need for additional surgeries or non-surgical treatments like radiation therapy.
After Surgery
Recovery time varies based on the procedure's complexity; for minor excisions, patients can often resume normal activities, including work, the day after surgery. However, more involved procedures may require longer recovery periods, potentially involving hospitalisation or extended home recovery. Detailed instructions regarding wound care, dressing changes, and suture removal schedules are provided before discharge, and follow-up appointments with the surgeon are arranged to monitor healing progress.
Gallery
To see images of skin cancer removal surgery please click the button below. Please note some of the images are graphic in nature and might be disturbing for some.
