Frequently asked questions
Do we do Moh’s surgery ?
No we don’t do Moh’s surgery ! there are better places to go if you really really need to have it. We refer less than 1 or 2 cases per year for Micrographic control surgery. With excellent surgical skills, the need for Moh’s surgery becomes unnecessary in the vast majority of cases we handle.
From time to time we use “modified or slow Mohs’ surgery” which is a very useful technique for subtle cancers that may be difficult to see with rushed pathology examination that are used in the regular Mohs’ surgery. These include certain basal cell carcinoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, lentigo maligna, acrolentiginous melanoma in situ., sebaceous carcinoma and extramammary Paget’s disease
Slow Mohs is a staged excision. The open wound is left opened then closed at a later date ( up to a week or longer ) when we have the clearance from our pathologist.
Do we perform scar free surgery ?
There is no such thing as scar free skin surgery. The only scar free Surgery is to the unborn fetus.
You need to be realistic and balance the pros and cons. Every body scars no matter what. How you heal depends on your genetics + abit of helping from the doctor.
After surgery when done well the resulting scar will be barely visible in a few months. Scars naturally remodel. However it will help, when the wound has been stitched correctly and well looked after post operatively. The doctor will advise you based on your health status.
Some patients, rarely, develop pin cushions, trap doors, retracted nostrils, crooked lips or eyelids. In the rare event that you do- we will know how to fix it. Our Doctors provide comprehensive patient care. Complications rarely happen with proper patient selection and having a good skill set. And of course, the longer you neglect your cancer – the worse your scar !
Can skin cancer be missed on examination?
There are certain skin cancers that by nature can be here one day and gone the next. That is why is in your own best interest to do regular self skin examinations looking out for any lesion/s that have changed in shape, size, colour, texture etc…
It is not uncommon to book a patient in for surgery, then on the surgery day the cancer is invisible, but sure enough 3 months later the cancer rears its head again.
No clinical examination will be able to pick up all of your skin cancers on 3, 6 or 12 monthly examinations. In fact, in the general community, most skin cancers are picked up by you then presented to the doctor for confirmation.
The vast majority of skin cancers don’t kill. The ones that we see that could do are: merkle cell carcinoma (a cancer that is much more sinister than melanoma) and nodular melanoma or non-pigmented melanoma which by their nature are extremely difficult to pick up in the very early stages. These cancers grow very rapidly become a large bump within a few weeks to months.
How long does a skin cancer examination take?
Less than 3-4 minutes, undressing and re-dressing may take longer. Ideally on the day of your consultation manageable clothing and no make up will make it easier for both Your Doctor and yourself.
Do we do mole checking machine?
No we don’t. We don’t rely on machines to make decision for us.
Mole checking machines may be of value in high risk melanoma patients with hundreds of moles and numerous dysplastic neavii ( atypical moles ) where numerous routine biopsies would be impractical and hence photographic follow up would be ideal.
Ultimately it’s the doctor who has to make the diagnosis !
Do we take photo of moles ?
From time to time we do Microphotography of low risk but still suspicious atypical moles for comparison where biopsy is not required, especially if that mole is in keloid prone areas or if the patient is needle phobic.
We use the service of a pathology laboratory with trained and qualified histo-pathologists and dermato-pathologists who specialize in skin diseases to provide us with correct and skillful reporting of your skin specimens.
Results,
You are welcome to phone us for results. You will be given a copy for your record if required. The results will only be given to the Patient or your doctor
Prioritizing Skin cancer care,
Skin cancer is part of daily life in Australia. The majority of skin cancers we see wont kill you, but do require treatment to reduce big scars and unnecessary pain. Most important is that you have regular skin cancer examinations as part of your overall health screening program.
Skin cancer education
The internet is full of skin cancer information. Bing or Google for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma or melanomas with search phrase ending with mayo, edu, or dermnet and you will have more information than you need without being bombarded by ads trying to get you in for skin checks, sell you cures, and promote expensive treatments.