Skin Cancer
New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Common forms of skin cancer may present as scaly patch, nodule, ulcer or pigmented spot. These may grow slowly, over years or rapidly in a matter of months. Once a suspicious spot has been identified, the next step may be to take a biopsy, removing the lesion in part or its entirety. This allows the diagnosis to be confirmed and any further treatment required to be determined.
The most common forms of skin cancer are:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) and
- Melanoma
Each of these has “classical” features that may allow their diagnosis on appearance alone. In general, smaller BCC’s and SCC’s may be treated with surgery alone. Melanoma, with its increased possibility of distant spread, usually requires more than one surgery and careful long-term surveillance.
Your plastic surgeon is an expert in the diagnosis, non-surgical and surgical treatment of skin cancers, aesthetic reconstruction and scar optimization.
Scar Revision
Scars, whether secondary to accidents, surgery or infections are unpredictable. The way a scar develops usually depends on its cause, the way the individual generally scars, the size, orientation and position of the scar on the body, and the thickness and colour of the skin.
Once a scar has occurred it cannot be completely removed but your plastic surgeon has a wide variety of techniques available to improve the scar and minimize its appearance. These may take the form of specialized tapes and dressings, steroid injections, laser or surgery. Your plastic surgeon will work with you to determine the most appropriate plan for your scar.
