Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Australia, with Australia having the highest rate of skin cancer worldwide. The three most common types of skin cancer are:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), and Melanoma
Thankfully, when detected early, most skin cancers can be completely removed. The key to treatment is the early detection and diagnosis of the skin cancer before it has progressed to an advanced stage.
However, the detection of skin cancer can be quite complex, with some skin cancers more easily detectable than others. To achieve a high success rate, doctors must have the correct background, years of rigorous training and extensive clinical experience.
Mohs Surgery
Mohs is the most advanced and effective treatment for skin cancers. It has the lowest recurrence rates,
highest cure rates, and best cosmetic results of any skin cancer treatment. Mohs Surgery requires a dermatologist trained as a Mohs Specialist to perform the procedure. See the Mohs Surgery page
for full details.
Standard Surgery
Surgical excision is the most common form of treatment for the removal of skin cancers, recognised by the Australian Government in conjunction with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
Most skin cancers elsewhere on your body can easily be removed using this method under local anaesthetic.
Flap and Graft Surgery
After excision, larger skin cancers will leave a larger wound (defect). These require a more complex repair than side-to side suturing. This is undertaken by either moving the adjacent skin to cover the wound, a 'flap', or by taking a patch of skin from a different part of the body and using it to cover the wound, known as a 'graft'.
Anti-Cancer Creams
Anti-cancer creams, such as Aldara (Imiquimod), Efudix, and Tolak (Fluorouracil), are non-surgical treatments. They involve regular application of the cream over several days or weeks to destroy the abnormal cells without harming the healthy normal skin cells. Anti-cancer creams are only effective against early and superficial
(non-skin penetrating) skin cancers.
Other Treatments
Other treatments for skin cancers include freezing (liquid nitrogen), scraping (curettage) and burning (diathermy), which can be used for more superficial forms of skin cancers that don't require surgical intervention.