## Condition Overview
Advanced skin cancer surgery treats melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers that require more than simple excision. Dr Cao performs wide local excision, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and local or regional flap reconstruction to remove cancer completely while achieving the best cosmetic and functional result.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Australia. When skin cancers occur on the head and neck, they require careful surgical management to ensure complete removal while preserving function and appearance.
### Types treated:
- **Melanoma** — including sentinel lymph node biopsy for staging
- **Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)** — the most common skin cancer
- **Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)** — including high-risk and metastatic SCC
- **Merkel cell carcinoma** — a rare but aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer
## Surgical Approach
- **Wide local excision** with appropriate surgical margins based on tumour type and risk
- **Sentinel lymph node biopsy** for melanoma staging (when indicated)
- **Neck dissection** for skin cancers with lymph node metastases
- **Local and regional flap reconstruction** to close defects with good cosmetic and functional outcomes
- **Skin graft reconstruction** for larger defects where flaps are not suitable
All specimens are sent for histopathology to confirm clear margins.
## What to Expect
### Before Surgery
- Dermoscopic and clinical examination
- Biopsy for histological diagnosis
- Staging investigations (CT, PET-CT) for advanced cancers
- Multidisciplinary team discussion
### During Surgery
- Most procedures are performed under local anaesthetic with sedation or general anaesthetic
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy uses a radioactive tracer and blue dye injected before surgery
- Duration depends on complexity: simple excision (30 minutes) to complex reconstruction (2-3 hours)
### Recovery
- Most skin cancer excisions are day procedures
- Wound care instructions provided
- Follow-up for histology results within 1-2 weeks
- Regular skin surveillance thereafter
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the margins for skin cancer surgery?
Margins vary by tumour type: BCC typically 3-4 mm, SCC typically 4-6 mm, and melanoma 1-2 cm (depending on Breslow thickness).
Will I need a skin graft or flap?
This depends on the size and location of the defect. Dr Cao will discuss closure options during your consultation and will use the method that gives the best functional and cosmetic result.
Ready to discuss your treatment options?
Book a Consultation