Skin cancer the most common types of cancers, especially for those living in Australia. This is due in part to the fact that there is a high proportion of fair-skinned individuals combined with a tropical and sub-tropical sun that is almost consistently shining. Approximately 2 out of every 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they reach 70 years of age, however fortunately the majority of these are the less serious “non-melanoma” skin cancers. Australia has the unfortunate distinction of having the highest rate of melanoma in the world. For those diagnosed with skin cancer, there is a wide variety of treatment options available.
Most skin cancers are visible on the skin, although sometimes may take some time to be recognised as what they are. Most skin cancers are relatively simple to treat, and are best treated early, before they grow large. Most skin cancers are best treated with surgery, although there are a number of new non-surgical treatments now available, particularly for early skin cancers. Dr Merten, as a specialist plastic surgeon, has many years of experience and is an expert in the surgical treatment of skin cancers, from small to large, and simple ones to more complex.
There are several different methods of removing skin cancers. The type of method used on one’s skin cancer will depend on the type and location of the cancer, as well as the stage of its growth. Smaller and less severe cases of skin cancer can be treated a majority of the time with basic topical treatments such as creams; however, as the severity rises in the skin cancer other methods must be used such as scraping techniques or surgical removal. If the cancer is larger, or in a difficult area like on the nose or eyelids, then reconstructive surgery may be required at the same time.
Dr Merten proudly offers his patients expertise and experience in dealing with skin cancer. His surgical treatments can range from smaller office-based excisions, to larger procedures that require reconstructive surgery. More complex surgeries may require the removal and relocation of surrounding skin of the cancer after the removal, known as a skin flap, and other times a skin graft may be used, in which case skin from other parts of the body are used to cover the treated area. Whichever procedure is used, Dr Merten strives for the greatest outcome possible for cure of the skin cancer and minimal scars.
If you want to discuss skin cancer treatment, or any other cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures, please call us at Pure Aesthetics on 9252 9262, or contact us for an appointment to see our Sydney Plastic Surgeon, Dr Steve Merten.
