Skin Cancer Surgery in Melbourne
Doctor-led skin cancer assessment and surgery in Sunshine and Frankston.
If a skin cancer has been diagnosed, surgery is one of the most commonly used treatments. The type of procedure required depends on the diagnosis, size and location of the skin cancer and your individual circumstances.
At The Mole Clinic, our doctors perform skin cancer surgery for suitable lesions under local anaesthetic at our Sunshine and Frankston clinics.
When is skin cancer surgery required?
Surgery may be recommended after a skin biopsy confirms a skin cancer or when clinical assessment indicates that a lesion should be removed.
The appropriate treatment depends on factors including:
The type of skin cancer
Its size and location
The pathology findings
Whether it has been previously treated
Your general health and individual circumstances
Your doctor will explain the recommended treatment and whether it can be appropriately managed at The Mole Clinic.
If another treatment or specialist assessment would be more appropriate, this will be discussed with you.
What happens during skin cancer surgery?
Most procedures performed at The Mole Clinic are carried out under local anaesthetic.
The area is cleaned and local anaesthetic is injected to numb the skin. Once the area is numb, the lesion is surgically removed.
The wound may then be closed with stitches. The exact technique used depends on the size and location of the surgical defect and other clinical factors.
The removed tissue is usually sent to a pathology laboratory for examination.
You will receive instructions about wound care, follow-up and when any stitches need to be removed.
What types of skin cancer can be treated?
Common skin cancers include basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma.
Treatment differs considerably between these diagnoses, and surgery at The Mole Clinic is not appropriate for every skin cancer.
Your doctor will consider the diagnosis, pathology findings, location and complexity of the lesion before recommending treatment.
Some skin cancers can be treated within our clinics, while others may require referral for specialist or hospital-based management.
What happens after surgery?
After your procedure, the tissue is generally sent for histopathology.
Your doctor will review the pathology report to determine whether any further treatment or follow-up is required.
You will also be given wound care instructions appropriate to your procedure.
If stitches have been used, you will be advised when they should be removed. Healing time varies according to the procedure, location of the wound and individual factors.
Will skin cancer surgery leave a scar?
Any surgery involving an incision in the skin will result in a scar.
Your doctor will consider the location and size of the lesion, skin tension and other factors when planning the procedure.
Scars usually change and mature over time. You will be given appropriate wound and scar care advice following your procedure.
The priority of skin cancer surgery is appropriate treatment of the cancer while also considering wound closure and the eventual cosmetic result.
Do I need a biopsy before skin cancer surgery?
This depends on the lesion and clinical circumstances.
In many cases, a skin biopsy is performed first to establish the diagnosis and help plan treatment.
If you have a lesion that has not yet been assessed, book a Spot & Mole Check or Full Body Skin Check first.
How much does skin cancer surgery cost?
Our current procedure fees and applicable Medicare rebates are available on our Services & Fees page.
Skin cancer surgery in Sunshine and Frankston
The Mole Clinic performs suitable skin cancer procedures at two Melbourne locations.
Sunshine
View Sunshine Clinic
Book Sunshine
Frankston
Frequently Asked Questions
Is skin cancer surgery performed under local anaesthetic?
Most skin cancer procedures performed at The Mole Clinic are carried out under local anaesthetic.
Will I need stitches?
Many surgical excisions require stitches, although the method of wound closure depends on the procedure and location.
Is the removed skin sent to pathology?
Tissue removed for treatment of a suspected or confirmed skin cancer is generally sent for histopathology.
Can all skin cancers be treated at The Mole Clinic?
No. Suitability depends on the diagnosis, size, location, complexity and individual patient factors. Your doctor will recommend referral when another setting or clinician is more appropriate.
How long does the wound take to heal?
Healing varies according to the procedure, location and individual factors. Your clinical team will provide specific wound care and follow-up instructions.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required to book an initial assessment at The Mole Clinic.
Book a Skin Cancer Assessment in Melbourne
If you have a lesion requiring assessment, biopsy or treatment, our doctors can assess the appropriate next step.
The Mole Clinic provides skin cancer care at our Sunshine and Frankston clinics.