Skin Cancer Surgery
Berwick and Mulgrave
Expert Skin Cancer Surgery and Reconstruction
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world due to our high levels of ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Skin cancer can affect people of all ages and may develop anywhere on the body, particularly areas frequently exposed to the sun such as the face, scalp, ears, nose, lips, neck, hands and arms.
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential. If your general practitioner, dermatologist or skin cancer doctor identifies a suspicious lesion, you may be referred to a Specialist Plastic Surgeon for surgical removal and reconstruction, particularly if the lesion is located in an area where both function and appearance are important.
Dr Namal Munasinghe provides comprehensive skin cancer surgery with meticulous reconstructive techniques aimed at removing the cancer while preserving function and achieving the best possible cosmetic result for your individual circumstances.
Types of Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer in Australia. It usually grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but if left untreated it can invade surrounding skin and deeper tissues.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It has a greater potential to spread than basal cell carcinoma and generally requires prompt surgical treatment.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. Early diagnosis and appropriate surgery are essential because melanoma can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.
Why Choose a Plastic Surgeon?
Many skin cancers can be removed with a straightforward excision. However, cancers affecting the face, eyelids, nose, lips, ears, scalp and hands often require specialised reconstruction after removal.
As a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr Namal combines cancer removal with reconstructive techniques designed to preserve both function and appearance.
Depending on the size and location of the defect, reconstruction may involve:
Direct closure
Local skin flaps
Skin grafts
Complex facial reconstruction
The choice of reconstruction is individualised to each patient.
Warning Signs of Skin Cancer
You should seek medical assessment if you notice:
A new mole or skin lesion
A mole that changes in size, shape or colour
A sore that does not heal
A lump or thickened area of skin
A bleeding or crusting lesion
A rapidly growing skin lesion
Early assessment significantly improves treatment options.
Protecting Your Skin
Reducing ultraviolet (UV) exposure remains the best way to reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Simple measures include:
Wearing sun-protective clothing
Using a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen
Wearing a wide-brimmed hat
Wearing sunglasses
Seeking shade during the middle of the day
Avoiding unnecessary sun exposure
Regular skin checks by your GP or dermatologist are also recommended, particularly if you have fair skin, a history of significant sun exposure or previous skin cancers.
Your Consultation
During your consultation, Dr Namal will discuss:
Your diagnosis
Previous biopsy results
Recommended treatment
Reconstruction options
Expected recovery
Potential risks
Pathology and follow-up
Every treatment plan is personalised to your individual needs.
The Procedure
Skin cancer surgery may be performed under:
Local anaesthetic
Local anaesthetic with sedation
General anaesthetic
The type of anaesthetic depends on the size, location and complexity of the lesion.
Following removal, the specimen is routinely examined by a pathologist to confirm the diagnosis and assess whether the cancer has been completely removed.
Recovery
Recovery depends on the size and location of the surgery.
Patients generally experience:
Mild discomfort
Swelling
Bruising
Temporary changes in sensation
Most wounds heal over several weeks, although scars continue to mature over many months.
Potential Risks
All surgery carries risks.
Potential complications include:
Bleeding
Infection
Delayed wound healing
Scarring
Skin graft or flap complications
Temporary or permanent numbness
Need for additional surgery if further margins are required
These risks will be discussed during your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the skin cancer be completely removed?
The aim is complete removal with an appropriate surgical margin. Occasionally, additional surgery is recommended if the pathology report shows cancer cells close to or at the margin.
Will I have a scar?
Yes. Every surgical procedure leaves a scar. Reconstruction is planned carefully to optimise both function and cosmetic appearance.
Will I need a skin graft or flap?
Some wounds can be closed directly. Larger defects or those on specialised areas of the face or hands may require reconstruction using a local flap or skin graft.
Will I need ongoing skin checks?
Yes. Patients who have had one skin cancer have an increased risk of developing further skin cancers. Regular skin examinations are recommended.
Vitamin B3 (Nicotinamide) and Skin Cancer Prevention
Research has shown that nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) may reduce the risk of developing new basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas in people who have previously had multiple non-melanoma skin cancers.
The largest study, the ONTRAC trial, found that taking 500 mg of nicotinamide twice daily for 12 months reduced the number of new non-melanoma skin cancers by approximately 23% in high-risk patients.
Important points:
Nicotinamide is not the same as niacin.
It is not a substitute for sunscreen or sun protection.
It has not been shown to prevent melanoma.
The protective effect appears to stop once treatment is discontinued.
It is generally considered for patients with a history of multiple BCCs or SCCs after discussion with their doctor.
If you have had several skin cancers, Dr Namal can advise whether nicotinamide may be appropriate as part of your overall skin cancer prevention strategy.
Why Choose Dr Namal Munasinghe?
Dr Namal Munasinghe is an Australian-trained Specialist Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon with extensive experience in skin cancer surgery and complex reconstruction.
He provides personalised treatment for skin cancers affecting the face, scalp, ears, nose, lips, hands and other anatomically important areas. Working closely with GPs, dermatologists and skin cancer doctors, Dr Namal combines meticulous cancer surgery with reconstructive techniques designed to restore both function and appearance.
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