Skin cancer removal
Surgical removal is the most common treatment for skin cancer and is typically performed by either a dermatologist or a plastic and reconstructive surgeon. The type of surgery you will have depends on the size and position of the cancer.
Early diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer ensure the best possible outcome and removal of the tumour is usually indicated. Mr Juling Ong employs a range of reconstructive techniques to successfully remove the facial tumour, particularly on sensitive areas of the face such as the nose, lips or eyelids, while ensuring the least impact on facial appearance.
The most common skin cancer affecting the face is basal cell carcinoma, usually resulting from sun exposure. Although it is not usually life-threatening and typically doesn’t spread beyond its original site, it can result in scars if removal is not carefully planned. Once it has been removed, then the recurrence rate is generally low.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer and often presents on the face, lips or ears. Malignant melanoma is the least common but also the most dangerous type of skin cancer and responds best to early diagnosis and removal.
Mr Ong will be able to advise you on your mole and whether this should be removed if there is a chance this may be a type of cancer. Although most moles are not cancerous, they can catch on necklaces and clothes and Mr Ong can advise on a surgical removal. Although scars are always permanent, Mr Ong uses surgical techniques which enable them to heal in the best possible way for your skin type.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during skin cancer surgery?
This depends on the size and position of the tumour. A small tumour and the surrounding healthy skin are usually removed and then closed directly by sutures, under local anaesthetic, resulting in a small scar.
Mohs micrographic surgery entails removing the cancer in layers until all cancerous cells are gone and may be indicated if you have had skin cancers in the same place previously or if the cancer is starting to spread or the tumour is very large. It is often used to treat skin cancers on the face as it reduces trauma and scarring. Mohs is typically performed under a local anaesthetic. Mr Juling Ong will often provide reconstruction after the tumour is removed by the Mohs surgeon.
A larger tumour may require reconstruction afterwards, using a skin graft or flap to ‘cover’ the damaged or missing skin. This may be performed under a general anaesthetic.
Afterwards, tissue analysis is performed to ensure all the tumour has been successfully removed.
During your consultation, Mr Juling Ong will explain all potential risks and discuss your treatment options in full. Please call us on 020 7927 6528 or email us at info@julingong.com to arrange an appointment.
