The skin in the largest organ of the human body. Its size and external location make it susceptible to a wide variety of diseases, disorders, discolorations, and growths, as well as damage from the environment and the aging process. The severity and appearance of skin problems vary considerably. Most can be removed or improved with a minimum of pain and risk. Indications for Skin Surgery
There are four reasons for performing skin surgery - To establish a diagnosis with a skin biopsy (removal of a small piece of skin )
- To provide early removal of skin cancers.
- To improve the skin's appearance by removing growths, discolorations and damage caused by aging, sunlight and disease.
- Cosmetic skin improvement. To reduce wrinkles, lines, capillaries, pigmentation and other blemishes.
A change in a mole can indicate a serious problem. If a mole or skin lesion becomes larger, changes in color or develops an irregular border you should present for examination. Other warning signs include itching, crusting, pain, and bleeding.
Extensive and potentially disfiguring surgery can often be prevented by prompt surgical removal, by freezing, by treatment with chemicals or with the aid of a laser.
There are two kinds of skin tumors, benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous). Of the three main types of skin cancer, the most common and least serious is the Basal cell cancer . Typically, it appears as a shiny, small lump on sun-exposed areas of persons who have spent a lot of time outdoors. Though the tumors grow slowly, they can reach a very large size and penetrate deeply if they are not treated. They may often bleed, develop a crust, appear to heal, and then bleed again. | 
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Squamous cell cancer may show up as a lump or red scaly growth on sun exposed skin. Squamous cell cancers are initially slow growing and can be easily removed. Untreated, they can spread and even cause death. | 
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Malignant melanoma is the least common but most dangerous form of skin cancer. It appears as a dark brown or black mole with uneven borders and irregular color, in shades of black/blue, red, or white. Malignant melanoma most commonly occurs on the upper backs of men and women, and on the lower legs of women, although it can also develop on the face and other areas of the body.
Here are some fact about Melanoma from the Australian Cancer Council. - 6 out of 10 melanomas occur in people aged over 55
- Two Australians aged 55+ die every day from melanoma
- More than five sunburns in a lifetime can double your risk
- Over 95% of melanomas are treatable if caught early
For more information visit the Cancer Council website at www.cancercouncil.com.au or telephone 131120 | 
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Treatment for Skin Cancer -- Treatment for skin cancer varies according to the location, extent, and aggressiveness of the cancer and the patient's general health. In most cases a small piece of the abnormal tissue will be removed initially. This is called a biopsy . The tissue is examined under a microscope by a pathologist to determine whether it is malignant. | 
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Skin cancers will require surgical excision which involves cutting into the skin, removing the growth, and then closing the wound with stitches. One week after your surgical excision, you will be invited to return to the clinic to have your stitches removed. Your pathology will be reviewed at the time and further therapy will be planned if necessary. | 
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Warts are caused by viruses and consist of scaly lumps on the skin. They may develop on people of all ages anywhere on the skin. Most warts will respond to cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen. Others will require curettage, electrosurgery, injections or laser surgery. | 
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Solar keratoses (Sun Spots) are thick, warty, rough, reddish growths which appear on sun-exposed areas of the body. They sometimes develop into squamous cell cancer and are usually treated with cryosurgery to prevent them from undergoing malignant change. | 
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| Cysts are small closed sacs that contain fluid or solid material. Some cysts will require drainage and some cysts will require surgical removal. | 
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Seborrheic keratoses are raised, tan or brown growths. They often become itchy and irritated by clothing. They may be removed by cryosurgery or cutting. | 
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ACNE -- You don't have to live with it. Pimples are very common, can occur at any age and can be the source of much embarrassment. Effective treatments are now available. The condition is not easy to cure but it can be controlled very effectively in the majority of cases. Most patients will respond to antibiotics and a good skin-care routine. Hormone treatments, peels and lasers can also be used. Drug therapy is also available. | 
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Scars resulting from acne, chickenpox and accidents, can be improved in appearance. Raised scars can be reduced in size by cortisone injections or laser. Depressed scars can be improved in appearance by injections of Collagen, Restylane or Fat. The treatment of scars depends on many factors and a treatment program is designed for each individual patient. | 
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Improving the Skin's Appearance - Many blemishes that occur on the skin, such as age or "liver" spots, birthmarks and wrinkles.
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Age or liver spots are large freckles which develop on sun-exposed areas. They can be minimized by regular use of sunscreens and respond well to treatment with laser.
These methods can also be used on discolored skin, resulting in a more youthful appearance. | 
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Broken blood vessels can give the face an aged and sun-beaten look. Broken blood vessels on the face and other body areas can be eliminated by laser or injection therapy. | 
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Wrinkles can be improved with Lasers, Peeling, Botox, Collagen and Restylane. Many treatments are available and are tailored to the needs of each individual patient. | 
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Skin Cancer Check-up
Post-treatment instructions
Please take the time to examine your breasts, your buttocks and your genital area for any skin spots or lumps. It is impossible to examine these areas in a routine skin check-up, however, skin cancers can occur in these areas. Use a mirror and a bright light and, if you find something, please report back or see your local GP.
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| HOW GOOD ARE YOU AT SPOTTING SKIN CANCER? | |
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Is the spot on this man's arm skin cancer? . . . . Yes! it was a skin cancer | |
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Is the spot under the eye skin cancer? . . . . Yes! it was a skin cancer | |
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Is this a skin cancer? . . . . . Yes! it is a skin cancer | |
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Is this a skin cancer? . . . . . Not quite. This is a dysplastic mole which is pre-cancerous and needs removal | |
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I this a skin cancer? . . . . . No. It is a prominent blood vessel | |
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Is this a skin cancer? . . . . . . Yes! This is a melanoma which requires urgent removal. | |
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Is this a skin cancer? . . . . . . Yes! It is a melanoma | |
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Is this a skin cancer? . . . . . . Yes! Melanomas can sometimes be found in hidden places. | |
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Is this a skin cancer? . . . . . . No. This is a benign mole | |
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Does this man have skin cancer? . . . . . . No. He has sun spots on his scalp that need treatment with liquid nitrogen. | |
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Is this skin cancer? . . . . . . Not quite. This patient has a keratoacanthoma. This is a benign condition but she will need treatment | |
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Is this a skin cancer ? . . . . . . No. It is a benign spot. | |
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Is this a skin cancer? . . . . . . . No. It is an infection. | |
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Is the red spot a skin cancer ? . . . . . . Yes. It needs removal | |
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Is this a skin cancer ? . . . . . . No. It is a cyst End of test ....... Have a skin check as soon as you can. | |
