Moving On: Reconstructive Surgery After Skin Cancer in Sydney

Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. In fact, there are more diagnosed cases of skin cancer each year than cancers of the prostate, breast, colon, and lung combined. Given Australia’s warm and sunny client the condition is very prevalent – resulting in two out of three Australians diagnosed with some form of skin cancer before they are 70 years old.

Skin cancer develops from tissue damaged by too much exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Because of this, skin cancer most often develops in exposed areas such as the ears, face, and shoulders but can form anywhere, including your palms or under your fingernails. Skin cancer has three common categories: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common, while melanoma is the most aggressive form. Individuals with lighter complexions are more prone to skin cancer because of their naturally low production of melanin, the pigment cells that protect the skin from the sun. However, even individuals with very dark complexions are at risk. No matter your complexion, everyone should wear sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.

Should you contract skin cancer within your lifetime, the most common treatment is surgery, which involves removing the cancerous cells from the body. While this method is quite effective, it often leaves an unsightly scar behind. This can be particularly traumatic if the patient develops skin cancer in a location such as the face, head, or neck. Depending on the location, the removed cells can affect normal everyday functions as well.

Reconstructive surgery after skin cancer in Sydney can be performed in various ways based on the particular patient’s case. If the removed cells are small, a primary closure can be completed as day surgery with a local anesthetic. If the area is larger, A/Prof Damian Marucci may graft tissue from another area of the body to improve the look and function of the affected area. For more complex and rare cases, reconstructive microsurgery may be recommended. In these cases, part of the body and it’s blood supply are removed and grafted to the area to reconstruct the area that was removed.

To ensure the patient receives the best treatment for their particular case, Dr. Marucci works with a number of specialists including oncologists, speech pathologists, dieticians, dentists, and surgeons. Through his work at St. George Hospital and St. Vincent Hospital he is able to consult with these specialists as needed for his patients.

Dr. Marucci has undergone extensive training at the University of Sydney, as well as specialized training at Oxford Plastic Surgery unit in England for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. It is this training and his reputation that ensures patients they will be well cared for during their procedure. If you or a loved one has questions regarding reconstructive surgery treatments after skin cancer in Sydney or surround areas, please contact our office at your convenience. We are happy to answer questions and address any concerns you may have.