Skin Cancer Surgery

At Dextra Surgical we diagnose and treat all varieties of skin cancer including Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Bowens disease and Melanoma. Treatment is usually by excision which is then followed by repair using skin grafting, local flap or direct closure.

The primary cause of skin cancer is from ultraviolet radiation, most commonly from the sun but also from tanning booths and sun lamps. Anybody can get skin cancer but some people are more prone than others, particularly if they have fair skin and freckles, a family history of skin cancer, have light hair and eyes or a large number of moles of unusual shape and size.

The three main types of skin cancer are listed below. They will usually require surgical intervention and some may need surveillance following excision.

Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCC)

BCC are the least aggressive form of skin cancer and are usually found on the sites most often exposed to the sun such as face, back, ears and scalp. They grow slowly and rarely spread however if not treated they can cause extensive damage to underlying tissue and bone.

Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC)

SCC are more aggressive than BCC and often appear on the ears, face and lips. If left untreated SCC can spread to other parts of the body including lymph nodes and internal organs. SCC may result from excessive exposure to certain chemicals or the sun.

Melanomas

Although less common melanomas are also more aggressive and early detection is crucial as they are potentially fatal. Melanomas can develop from moles but can also arise on normal skin. Unlike BCC and SCC melanomas can occur not infrequently in younger people.