Skin Cancer

Cream Treatments

A non-surgical skin cancer treatment suitable for selected basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). The cream is applied to the area so that the targeted skin tissue is cleared away.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Another non-surgical skin cancer treatment, with less downtime than creams. PDT uses a photosensitising agent together with a specific wavelength of light to destroy cancerous cells.

Curettage and Cautery

Often an effective treatment for small BCCs and SCCs. A curette is used to shave away the affected area, and the resulting wound is then cauterised to minimise bleeding and prevent infection.

Simple Excision

Local anaesthetic is applied with a fine needle to numb the area, after which the skin cancer is removed using a scalpel. The resulting wound is then carefully closed so the edges sit neatly together.

• Elliptical excision performed on the forehead.

Flap Surgery

Used where a traditional elliptical wound would make it difficult to bring the surrounding skin together. The wound left by removing the skin cancer is closed by carefully manoeuvring nearby skin into place.

• Bilobed flap performed on the nose.

Graft Surgery

Similar to flap surgery. Where the defect is too large to close directly, a thin layer of skin (a graft) is taken from elsewhere on the body — the upper arm or thigh — and placed over the wound.

• Full-thickness skin graft performed on the ring finger.

Wedge Resection

A surgical procedure in which a section of skin is removed and reattached while maintaining the original contour. This is used for more serious skin cancers, particularly on the lips and ears.

• Wedge resection performed on the ear.