Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells and represents the most common type of cancer. It most often forms on skin exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun but can also occur in other locations of the body. The three most common type of skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. If your healthcare team member is suspicious of skin cancer, a biopsy will be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Most skin cancers are removed surgically but other treatment options may exist for you depending on the type of skin cancer. Excised skin is sent for pathology review to determine if your cancer is completely removed or if further surgery is indicated. Your Plastic Surgeon will make every effort to preserve your health and appearance without compromising your cancer care. Although scars are an inevitable part of invasive surgery, your Plastic Surgeon will endeavour to minimise scarring and to keep your scars as inconspicuous as possible using specialized reconstruction techniques. Reconstruction can be performed by using local tissue (local flap) or using skin from elsewhere (skin graft) and in some cases, more than one surgery may be necessary.

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These operations are commonly performed under local anesthesia in the outpatient setting. In larger cancers, a general anesthetic may be required.

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Some possible complications and risks associated with surgery to remove a skin cancer may include but are not limited to:

• Bleeding

• Infection that may require treatment with antibiotics or further surgery in some cases

• Incomplete excision of the skin cancer which requires further surgery

• Wound breakdown

• Loss of skin graft or flap requiring further surgery

• Scarring of the surgical site including keloids or lumpy scar tissue, which are pink, raised and irregularly shaped

• Allergic reaction to sutures, dressings or antiseptic solutions

• Complications such as heart attack, pulmonary embolism or stroke may be caused by a blood clot, which can be life threatening

• Pain, bruising and swelling around the operated site(s)

• Slow or delayed healing

• Short-term nausea following general anaesthesia and other risks related to anaesthesia

• Risk to nearby structures including sensory nerves (resulting in temporary or permanent numbness)

Skin cancer treatment is covered under MSP and a referral from your family physician, nurse practitioner, or specialist. For cosmetic skin lesions, patients can call directly without a referral but these type of procedures are not covered by the medical plan.