Skin Tumour And Skin Cancer Surgery
Skin tumours can be classified as benign or malignant. Benign skin tumours include seborrheic keratoses, papillomas and naevi while malignant skin tumours or skin cancer include basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer and melanoma. To differentiate between benign and malignant skin tumour, a microscopic examination of the tissue by a qualified pathologist is necessary.
Diagnosis
If you notice any abnormal growth or changes on any part of the skin surface, in terms of colour, size, itchiness, bleeding or ulceration, or appearance of satellite lesions, you should consult your doctor to arrange a tissue biopsy for further microscopic examination. Tissue biopsy can be performed by partial or complete excision. Most patients want to have complete excision for improved appearance, although partial excision is adequate for pathological diagnostic purpose.
Treatment
If the skin tumour is malignant, it is treated by complete excision with a safety margin of normal tissue also removed. A larger area of excision is required for more malignant types like melanoma. To ascertain complete excision, the plastic surgeon often requests a frozen section of excised tissue to be further examined.
Reconstruction may also be necessary after excision. Adjacent skin tissue (skin flaps) or skin grafting may be required. The following illustrations show a basal cell carcinoma growth on the nose that requires complete excision and reconstruction using a local flap (nasal labial flap).
Seek Help Now
According to figures from the Department of Health, skin cancer is on the rise in Hong Kong. If you notice any abnormal growth or changes on any part of the skin surface, please consult your doctor immediately for a detailed examination. In the case of malignant tumours, early complete excision is highly advised. Reconstructive surgery may be necessary subsequently to improve appearance.