Skin Cancer & Benign skin lesions

Excision of skin lesions involves removal of a variety of tumours and spots that grow on the surface of the skin. These can be either a cosmetic blemish or a possible cause of concern (e.g. skin cancer). 

With extensive experience in cosmetic surgery, Dr Girardi offers his patients removal of skin lesions or cancers with minimal amount of scarring or distortion in the normal contour of the skin. This is particularly important when tumours are removed from cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face.

Depending on the location and severity of the lesion to be removed, Dr Girardi is able to perform the majority of procedures under local anaesthetic in his clinic or under sedation with local anaesthetic in a day surgery facility.

 

Types of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Australia. The majority of skin cancers are found on the face, head, back and upper limbs, however, they can appear on any part of the body.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

BCC is the most common type of skin cancer by far, but also the least dangerous. It grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body.  Although BCC is rarely life-threatening if left untreated BCC can grow deep beneath the skin, into the underlying tissues and bone, causing serious damage (particularly for BCC located around the head and neck).

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

SCC is the second most common type of skin cancer, frequently appearing on the lips, face, or ears. If left untreated SCC may spread to distant sites, including lymph nodes and internal organs (e.g. lungs, bones, brain and liver). SCC can become life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Malignant Melanoma

Melanoma skin cancer is the least common type of skin cancer but by far the most dangerous. If discovered early, melanoma can be completely curable. However if not treated quickly, malignant melanoma may spread throughout all parts of the body and when this has allowed to occur it is often in often fatal.