Plastic Surgery for Skin Cancer in Brisbane | North Lakes
Patient information | Dr Rughani, Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Understanding your skin cancer diagnosis
A new diagnosis of skin cancer or melanoma can feel worrying, and it is understandable to have questions about what happens next. Exploring treatment options, including surgery, can also feel overwhelming.
Dr Rughani’s approach begins with listening, understanding your concerns and explaining your options in clear, everyday language. You will have time to ask questions and discuss the next steps in your care.
Skin Cancer in Queensland
Brisbane is the capital of the state of Queensland. Queensland is known as the ‘sunshine state’ as it boasts approximately 300 days of sunshine per year. Queensland is famous for blue skies, sandy beaches and much more.
However Queensland also has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world and double the national average. Overall about two in three Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer by the age of 70 years.
Your guide to skin cancer
The following information provides an overview of skin cancer and the surgery that may be involved. Your treatment will be tailored to the type, location and extent of your skin cancer, alongside your health and individual needs.
We hope this guide helps you feel better informed and supported as you navigate your diagnosis and treatment.
Know your surgeon
Dr Rughani provides skin cancer surgery for patients across Brisbane’s Northside, North Lakes and the Moreton Bay region.
Dr Rughani is a double qualified Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon (FRACS & FRCS) with over 15 years of surgical experience, including skin cancer and melanoma surgery and complex facial and scalp reconstruction.
He completed postgraduate melanoma research at the University of Oxford, a Melanoma and Surgical Oncology fellowship at the Melanoma Institute Australia, and a Microsurgical Reconstruction fellowship at Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane.
As a Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Queensland, he has published research and remains actively involved in surgical education and skin cancer research.
THREE MAIN TYPES OF SKIN CANCER
Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCCs)
Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCCs)
Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCCs)
Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs)
- are the most common type of skin cancer and
- typically found on the face, ears, neck, scalp, legs, and back.
- They rarely spread but can invade deeply if left untreated for too long.
- While some early BCCs can be managed without surgery, the majority are best treated through surgical excision.
Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCCs)
Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCCs)
Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCCs)
Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs)
- are the second most common type of skin cancer
- are more aggressive than BCCs.
- Although the majority of SCCs do not spread, they can occasionally spread to deeper structures or along nerves (Perineural invasion PNI)
- However, if detected late, SCC may spread to nearby lymph glands or other parts of the body
Melanoma
Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCCs)
Melanoma
Melanoma
- typically presents as a dark lesion
- is a highly aggressive form of skin cancer.
- If detected early and surgically removed, it can be cured.
- However, if detected late, melanoma may spread to nearby lymph glands or other organs.
- All melanomas are treated with surgical excision, sometimes the nearby lymph nodes are also sampled or removed.
- Patients with melanoma require long-term monitoring to check for cancer recurrence.
SKIN CANCERS - PATIENT INFORMATION
Common questions regarding skin cancers
The skin is the largest organ is the body and has the important role of protecting the body from external injury and covering the underlying tissues and vital structures.
There are several layers to the skin. Damage to cells in the superficial layer leads to a normal cells changing to become abnormal. If these abnormal cells continue to grow in size or number they can lead to skin cancers.
Queensland's high rates of skin cancer are linked to high sun intensity and peoples genetic background.
The majority of Skin Cancers are related to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Most commonly UV radiation comes from high intensity sun exposure but can also occur from artificial lights, certain industries and sun lamps.
In general, prolonged unprotected sun exposure in susceptible individuals can lead to sun burn, which can damage cells in the skin and may lead to skin cancer.
Best practice is to be sun smart take good sun protection
The common Skin cancers can be classified into the following:
- Non-Melanoma skin cancers (these include)
- Basal Cell Carcinoma
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Melanoma
However there are other (less common) types of cancers that involve the skin include, Dr Rughani has experience in surgically removing, reconstructing and managing patients with :
- Merkel Cell Cancer
- Dermal Sarcoma
- Atypical Fibroxanthoma
- Undifferentiated Pleomorphic dermal sarcoma
- Superficial malignant fibrous histiocytoma (this diagnosis is no longer used)
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
TYPES OF SKIN CANCERS
The most common type of skin cancer are Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCC).
These cancers get their name from the cells in which they originate from in the superficial skin; the basal cells of the epidermis.
In general BCCs are more common as you age and have higher rates in the body where there is greater sun exposure for example; the head, face, hand, forearms and lower legs.
Classically BCCs tend to grow slowly (months to years) and rarely spread to others parts of the body.
There are many ways to treat BCCs depending on the subtype, however more commonly surgery is offered and reconstruction (if required).
However if left untreated BCCs (like any other cancer) can spread to the surrounding skin or deeper tissues.
The second most common type of skin cancer are Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC).
These cancers get their name from the cells in which they originate from the squamous cells of the epidermis.
In general SCCs are more common above the age of 50 years and similar to BCCs have higher rates in the body where there is greater sun exposure.
Importantly SCCs can grow quickly over weeks or months and have a higher rate of spread to surrounding lymph glands or others parts of the body.
In particular SCCs in some special sites of the face (for example ears and lips) can spread more aggressively or invasively.
A mention to ‘in-situ’, Bowens disease or intraepidermal squamous cell carcinoma; these are commonly referred to as pre-cancerous SCCs that are not normal cells and yet have not become true invasive SCCs. They are on a spectrum of pre invasive disease and have the potential to become an invasive SCC.
The majority of invasive SCCs require surgery and / or radiotherapy to treat the surrounding tissues or lymph nodes.
If detected early and treated with surgery; Melanoma can be cured in the majority (90%) of cases.
However unlike other skin cancers (such as basal cell carcinomas) Melanoma has the ability to become advanced and spread to deeper layers of the skin, local surrounding lymph nodes or distant parts of the body such as the liver or brain.
The overall treatment of advanced Melanoma has dramatically changed in the last 10 years and through appropriate care survival has improved five fold, from <10% to >50%.
Melanoma Facts
- Melanoma is the second most common cancer diagnosed in Queensland.
- Approximately 4000 people receive a diagnosis of melanoma each year in Queensland.
- Melanoma is the most common cancer in young Australians (0 to 39 years)
- Melanoma originates from melanocyte cells in the skin.
- Is associated with higher rates of unprotected sun exposure (UV radiation)
Melanoma Myths'
Melanoma only occurs on sun exposed areas’ NOT TRUE
- Less common but importantly melanoma can occur on non-sun exposed sites
- such as the inside of the eye, genital areas, under nails and the soles of feet or palms of hands.
‘Melanoma only occurs in people with light skin or caucasian origins’ NOT TRUE
- Melanoma can develop in any skin type.
- It is generally seen more commonly in people with light skin but occurs in Hispanic, Pacific islander, Blacks and Asian origin populations as well – with higher rates of melanoma under the nails.
- Bob Marley had a melanoma of the great toe which was not diagnosed initially.
‘Melanoma always presents as a brown mole’ NOT TRUE
- Generally melanomas arise from a mole that has a brown pigment that changes or increases leading to a suspicion of melanoma.
- However melanomas can also be spots or lesions that are black, pink or have no colour.
Melanoma Subtypes
- Superficial spreading melanoma
- Nodular melanoma
- Lentigo maligna melanoma
- Desmoplastic melanoma
- Acral melanoma
- Subungual melanoma
A mention to ‘in situ’ melanoma which has forms a spectrum of pre-invasive melanoma they can transform into invasive types.
Risk Factors for Melanoma
In addition to high intensity sun exposure melanoma is also associated with genetic conditions, a strong family history and a weakened immune system.
Melanoma TreatmentsSurgery is the mainstay of treatment for melanoma of the skin. It is important to have a thorough assessment and discuss the appropriate options.These may include:
- An initial biopsy to provide an accurate diagnosis
- A wider excision of the melanoma that may require reconstruction
- Sampling of the surrounding lymph nodes or glands (known as sentinel lymph node biopsy)
- Referral to an oncologist for further therapy.
Follow up for Melanoma It is important for patients diagnosed with a melanoma to have regular follow up and care with an appropriate doctor, this can be on a 3, 6 or 12 monthly basis.
SKIN LESION & SKIN CANCER PROCEDURES
The outcomes shown are specific to those patients and may not reflect the results experienced by others, as individual outcomes can vary due to a range of factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
While plastic surgery is generally safe when performed by a qualified, experienced surgeon in an accredited facility, it does carry general and specific risks, like any surgery.
For patients seeking to discuss a skin cancer concern, or explore cosmetic or reconstructive surgery and are wanting to learn more about their options, a consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon is your first step.
To book an initial consultation with Dr. Rughani, please call the clinic and our patient care team will be able to book your appointment for you.
You can also email us or you can request a consultation with Dr. Rughani via our referrals page.
Our clinic hours are Monday – Thursday 8:30am – 4:30pm and 8:30am – 4pm on Fridays.
All patients wishing to consult with a specialist plastic surgeon are required to obtain a GP or Specialist referral to consult and proceed with skin cancer, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, under AHPRA regulations for cosmetic and medical procedures.
A referral is not required to book a consultation, however, you will need to obtain a GP or Specialist referral prior to attending your consultation. If you do not have a valid GP referral at the time of your consultation, you will not be able to proceed with your appointment and we will have to reschedule your consultation.
In order to qualify for a rebate from Medicare, patients must have a written referral from their GP or Specialist. GP referrals are valid for 12 months and Specialist referrals are valid for 3 months.
Dr Rughani welcomes skin cancer surgery enquiries from patients in North Lakes and across Brisbane’s northside. Contact our team to discuss a suitable consultation location and appointment.
Skin Cancer Consultations
You will be required to attend an initial consultation with Dr. Rughani for any skin lesion concerns. The fee for this consultation is $300.
If you have a Medicare card you may be eligible for a medical rebate (approximately $80) if you have a valid referral letter from you GP or Specialist
Reconstructive & Cosmetic Consultations
You will typically have two (2) consultations with Dr. Rughani for any reconstructive or cosmetic surgery procedure. Your first consultation will take approximately 40 minutes depending on the procedure you are interested in and will cost $300.
Your second consultation is an opportunity to ask your surgeon any additional questions you may have pertaining to your upcoming surgery. This appointment will be shorter than your initial appointment and is at no extra cost.
Dr. Rughani operates at the following private hospitals:
- Northwest Private Hospital
- North Lakes Day Hospital
- Herston Private Hospital
These are all fully-accredited hospitals with Queensland Health.
- Anaesthesia Complications: Anaesthesia may cause adverse reactions such as allergic responses, breathing difficulties, or cardiac complications.
- Infection: Infection is a risk with any surgical procedure, which can occur at the incision site or internally. It may require antibiotics or further treatment.
- Bleeding: There may be excessive bleeding during or after the surgery, which could necessitate additional medical intervention or a blood transfusion.
- Scarring: Scars are an inevitable part of most plastic surgeries. Although plastic surgeons minimise visible scarring through careful incision placement, surgical technique and wound closure, some scarring can be more noticeable or raised.
- Blood Clots: Post-surgical blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), are serious risks, especially during longer surgeries or in patients with specific risk factors.
- Wound Healing Problems: Delayed or improper wound healing can occur, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, smoking or immunocompromise, which may lead to infections or poor cosmetic outcomes.
- Vessel or Nerve Damage: Temporary or permanent nerve damage may occur, leading to changes in sensation or movement, particularly in facial or body contouring surgeries.
- Asymmetry or Further procedures: Dr Rughani takes time to discuss patient goals and expectations in advance, so there is mutual agreement prior to surgery. Despite this revision surgery may be needed to address these concerns in the future. In skin cancer operations here is always a small risk of needing further procedure or adjuvant treatment if the cancer involves a margin of removed tissue or it is very severe.
- Changes in Skin Sensation: Some procedures may cause numbness or altered sensation around the surgery site. These changes can be temporary but may also persist long-term.
- Fat Necrosis: In procedures like liposuction, fat cells may become damaged and lead to irregularities in skin texture, lumps, or changes in contour.
For further information please click here or reach us at contact@drmrughani.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
FURTHER INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS
Dr Milap Rughani FRACS (Plastic) is a qualified specialist plastic surgeon in Brisbane. Medical Registration: MED0002086570 | DISCLAIMER: All information on this website is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results will vary and are not a guarantee of any surgical outcome. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Book a consultation to determine whether a surgical procedure is suitable for you. Always seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner before proceeding.
Copyright © 2024 Dr M Rughani specialist Plastic SurgeON | brisbane | north lakes - All Rights Reserved
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