Facial Skin Cancer Surgery Sydney

Facial skin cancer surgery is a specialised procedure aimed at addressing cancerous growths in the facial region while preserving the function and appearance of the face. Given the complexity of the facial anatomy and the prominence of this area, the surgery requires a careful and precise approach to remove all cancerous tissue effectively. This is particularly important for maintaining essential functions such as vision, breathing, and speech, as well as minimising any visual impact caused by the procedure.

This type of surgery is often recommended for treating common types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and certain types of melanoma. Each of these cancers has distinct characteristics, such as their growth patterns and likelihood of recurrence, which influence the surgical approach. Dr John Flood matches the procedure to the individual’s diagnosis and needs. Through this approach, facial skin cancer surgery offers comprehensive treatment and optimal long-term outcomes.

Facial skin cancer surgery also plays a significant role in preventing the progression of the disease. Early intervention is critical, as untreated skin cancers can grow larger, invade deeper tissues, and cause significant damage. The procedure is designed to remove the cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, ensuring the balance between effective treatment and functional or cosmetic considerations.

What is Facial Skin Cancer Surgery?

Facial skin cancer surgery involves the surgical removal of cancerous tissue from the face with the primary goal of ensuring that all cancer cells are excised. It is a patient-specific procedure, meaning the approach is based on factors such as the tumour’s location, type, size, and depth.

The most commonly used techniques in facial skin cancer surgery include:

• Excision Surgery: In this method, the cancerous lesion is removed along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue. The excised tissue is sent to a laboratory for analysis to confirm that all cancer cells have been removed. This approach is often used for lesions in areas where margins can be safely excised without compromising critical facial structures.
• Mohs Surgery: Mohs surgery is a highly precise technique in which cancerous tissue is removed layer by layer. Each layer is immediately examined under a microscope to check for the presence of cancer cells. This process continues until no cancer cells are detected, ensuring complete removal of the cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Mohs surgery is particularly effective for cancers located in sensitive or visible areas, such as the eyelids, nose, or lips, where preserving both function and appearance is essential.

The choice of technique depends on the specific characteristics of the cancer and the patient’s overall health. Both methods are performed with meticulous attention to detail to ensure that all cancerous cells are removed while minimising the risk of recurrence.

By using advanced surgical techniques and a patient-centred approach, Dr John Flood also addresses the long-term health and quality of life of the individual. The procedure requires a skilled surgeon who is experienced in both cancer treatment and facial reconstruction to achieve the best possible outcomes.

The General Procedure

The steps involved in facial skin cancer surgery take into account the type of skin cancer, its size, depth, and location, as well as the patient’s overall health. Below is a detailed breakdown of the general procedure:

• Diagnosis and Planning: The surgical process begins with a confirmed diagnosis of skin cancer, typically obtained through a biopsy. Once our diagnosis is established, we will conduct a thorough assessment of the lesion, evaluating its size, depth, and proximity to critical facial structures. This evaluation helps determine the most appropriate surgical technique, whether it involves standard excision surgery or a more precise approach such as Mohs surgery. Detailed planning is essential to ensure the complete removal of cancer cells while preserving the functionality and appearance of the face.
• Anaesthesia: The choice of anaesthesia is based on the size and complexity of the tumour and the surgical method required. For smaller or less complex surgeries, local anaesthesia is often sufficient, allowing the patient to remain awake but comfortable during the procedure. In cases where the cancer is larger or located near sensitive areas, general anaesthesia may be recommended to ensure the patient’s safety and comfort. We discuss the anaesthesia with the patient during the pre-operative consultation to address any concerns and ensure they are well-prepared.
• Tissue Removal: Dr John Flood carefully removes the cancerous tissue, excising a margin of surrounding healthy tissue to reduce the risk of recurrence. The size of the margin depends on the type and aggressiveness of the cancer. In standard excision surgery, the entire tumour is removed in one step, and the excised tissue is sent to a laboratory for analysis. For Mohs surgery, tissue removal is performed in stages, with each layer examined under a microscope to ensure all cancer cells are identified and removed. This stepwise approach allows for the precise targeting of cancerous cells while sparing healthy tissue.
• Microscopic Examination (for Mohs Surgery): A key feature of our Mohs surgery is the immediate microscopic examination of each layer of tissue removed. This process involves creating a detailed map of the tumour and its surrounding tissues, allowing the surgeon to pinpoint the exact location of any remaining cancer cells. This ensures that all cancerous tissue is removed while minimising the impact on healthy tissue, making it particularly valuable for cancers in sensitive or cosmetically important areas such as the nose, eyelids, or lips.
• Reconstruction: Once the cancer has been completely removed, the wound is reconstructed to optimise healing and minimise scarring. The reconstruction method depends on the size, depth, and location of the surgical site. For small excisions, the wound may be closed with direct sutures. Larger wounds may require more advanced techniques, such as skin grafts or local flaps, where adjacent tissue is repositioned to cover the defect. The reconstruction plan is carefully designed to maintain the natural contours and functionality of the face. In cases where the excision is extensive, we may recommend additional procedures to achieve the best possible outcome.
• Intraoperative Monitoring: Throughout the procedure, we closely monitor the patient’s condition, ensuring their safety and comfort. For patients under general anaesthesia, vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels are continuously assessed. This comprehensive monitoring ensures that the procedure proceeds smoothly and that any potential complications are addressed immediately.

The procedure is performed with attention to detail, balancing the goals of cancer removal and tissue preservation. This approach is particularly important for facial skin cancer surgery, where even small adjustments can have a significant impact on both functionality and appearance. The duration of the surgery varies depending on the technique used and the complexity of the case, with Mohs surgery typically taking longer due to the time required for microscopic tissue analysis.