Worldwide, skin cancer ranks high among cancer types, and Singapore is no exception. Skin cancer risk has been on the rise due to the nation’s tropical climate, increased sun exposure, and growing concerns about UV radiation. Successful management of skin cancer depends on early detection and treatment, and skin cancer surgery in Singapore plays a crucial role in this process.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with skin cancer, understanding your options and the procedures for skin cancer surgery in Singapore is essential.
Skin Cancer: What Is It?
The uncontrolled growth of malignant skin cells is known as skin cancer. It is the most common type of cancer worldwide, but is also one of the most curable when detected early. Skin cancer typically begins in the outermost layer of the skin, which is exposed to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
The main thing that makes you more likely to get skin cancer is UV radiation, which can originate from either artificial or naturally occurring sources, like tanning beds. But skin cancer can also be caused by things like the type of skin you have, the health of your immune system, and your family background.
Skin Cancer Types
There are different kinds of skin cancer, but the three most common ones are
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
- To a large extent, most skin is composed of BCC cancer cases, which are the least aggressive. It typically appears as a small, waxy, or shiny bump on the skin. It rarely spreads to other parts of the body and usually grows slowly.
- To a large extent, most skin is composed of BCC cancer cases, which are the least aggressive. It typically appears as a small, waxy, or shiny bump on the skin. It rarely spreads to other parts of the body and usually grows slowly.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
- SCC often appears as an ulcer or a red, scaly patch that may bleed or crust over. Although more aggressive than BCC, it is treatable if caught early. However, it may spread to other areas of the body.
- SCC often appears as an ulcer or a red, scaly patch that may bleed or crust over. Although more aggressive than BCC, it is treatable if caught early. However, it may spread to other areas of the body.
- Melanoma
- A malignant skin tumor known as melanoma poses the most significant risk, but also the most treatable if detected early. It usually appears as a dark spot or mole that changes in size, shape, or color. Immediate treatment is critical as it has a higher chance of spreading to other organs.
- A malignant skin tumor known as melanoma poses the most significant risk, but also the most treatable if detected early. It usually appears as a dark spot or mole that changes in size, shape, or color. Immediate treatment is critical as it has a higher chance of spreading to other organs.
Why is Surgery for Skin Cancer Important?
When skin cancer is localized and hasn’t spread to other parts of the body, surgery is often recommended. The primary objective of skin cancer surgery is the excision of malignant tissue while preserving good skin.
Key reasons why skin cancer surgery in Singapore is essential:
- Complete Elimination: Surgery is the most effective way to obliterate cancerous cells. It successfully treats BCC and SCC by removing the tumor and preventing its spread.
- Prevention of Spread: Skin cancer cannot reach the skin’s deepest layers or other body parts without treatment. Early surgical intervention helps prevent metastasis.
- Reduced Recurrence: Surgically removing cancerous tissue minimizes the risk of recurrence. The removed tissue can also be examined more thoroughly to ensure all cancerous cells have been removed.
Singapore’s Skin Cancer Surgery Types
Singaporean doctors use different methods for skin cancer treatment depending on the type, location, and size of the cancer. These are the most common steps:
- Excisional Surgery
- During excisional surgery, the cancerous tissue and a line of healthy skin are cut out to ensure it stays gone. This is the method that is most often used for SCC and BCC. After the wound is sutured, a follow-up visit is scheduled to check for any signs of recurrence.
- During excisional surgery, the cancerous tissue and a line of healthy skin are cut out to ensure it stays gone. This is the method that is most often used for SCC and BCC. After the wound is sutured, a follow-up visit is scheduled to check for any signs of recurrence.
- Mohs Surgery
- Mohs surgery involves a team of highly trained surgeons for skin cancers in areas where keeping as much good tissue as possible is essential. The doctor removes the cancer one layer at a time, looking at each under a microscope until there are no more dangerous cells. This method is known for its precision and high cure rate.
- Mohs surgery involves a team of highly trained surgeons for skin cancers in areas where keeping as much good tissue as possible is essential. The doctor removes the cancer one layer at a time, looking at each under a microscope until there are no more dangerous cells. This method is known for its precision and high cure rate.
- Electrodesiccation and Curettage
- This less invasive method is typically used for small basal cell carcinomas. The surgeon scrapes out the tumor using a curette (a spoon-shaped instrument), then uses an electric needle to stop the bleeding and destroy any remaining cancer cells.
- This less invasive method is typically used for small basal cell carcinomas. The surgeon scrapes out the tumor using a curette (a spoon-shaped instrument), then uses an electric needle to stop the bleeding and destroy any remaining cancer cells.
- Laser Surgery
- Laser surgery can treat early-stage skin cancers. The laser is used to remove superficial cancerous growths or to destroy abnormal tissue. It is typically applied to minor skin cancers or precancerous lesions.
- Laser surgery can treat early-stage skin cancers. The laser is used to remove superficial cancerous growths or to destroy abnormal tissue. It is typically applied to minor skin cancers or precancerous lesions.
- Lymph Node Surgery
- Should the lymph nodes be affected by the spread of skin cancer, the surgeon may suggest cutting them out. The damaged lymph nodes must be removed to stop the disease from spreading further. This procedure is most often used to treat lymph nodes affected by melanomas that have spread and need to be treated.
- Should the lymph nodes be affected by the spread of skin cancer, the surgeon may suggest cutting them out. The damaged lymph nodes must be removed to stop the disease from spreading further. This procedure is most often used to treat lymph nodes affected by melanomas that have spread and need to be treated.
What to Expect from Singaporean Skin Cancer Surgery
Skin cancer surgery in Singapore typically involves the following steps:
- Diagnosis and Consultation
Your doctor will analyze your skin at your appointment, take a tissue sample, and discuss the best action. The surgeon will also discuss the treatment, its risks, and how long it should take to heal. You will be able to ask questions about the surgery and other treatments that are offered.
- The Surgical Procedure
On the day of the surgery, the area that will be hurt will be numbed with a local anesthetic. Depending on the size and location of the cancer, the surgeon will perform excisional surgery, Mohs surgery, or another method. The procedure may take 30 minutes to several hours.
- Post-Operative Care
The treated area may swell, bruise, or feel slightly sore afterward. Many people can go home the same day. Aftercare directions include cleaning the surgical site, applying ointments, and taking painkillers.
- Follow-Up Appointments
Follow-up appointments are necessary to make sure the cancer has been entirely removed and to check on the healing process. If the growth is more dangerous, you may need more treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.
Skin Cancer Surgery in Singapore: A Good Prognosis
Skin cancer surgery in Singapore offers an excellent prognosis if diagnosed early and treated promptly. Patients typically fully recover and can return to normal activities with little risk of recurrence.
Skin Health Advice for Preventing Skin Cancer
Prevention is key, even though skin cancer surgery in Singapore is an effective treatment. The following advice can help reduce your risk of developing skin cancer:
- To prevent overexposure to the sun, sunscreen should be put on to protect from harmful UV rays, shade should be sought, protective clothing should be worn, and high-SPF sunscreen should be used.
- Regular Skin Checks: Perform monthly self-exams to check for changing moles, patches, or growths. Early detection matters.
- Annual Dermatologist Visits: Visit a dermatologist for professional Skin screenings, especially if you have prior skin cancer or are at high risk.
- Avoid Tanning Beds: Artificial UV exposure from tanning beds increases the risk of skin cancer, particularly in young people.
Conclusion
Skin cancer surgery in Singapore is a highly effective way to treat skin cancer and improve your skin’s overall health and appearance. Most people can fully heal from cancer and stop it from spreading if they get it treated and diagnosed early. Skin cancer surgery in Singapore gives you a lot of great choices for effective treatment and recovery, whether you need excisional surgery, Mohs surgery, or something else.
If you’re dealing with skin cancer or are concerned about a suspicious growth, it’s essential to seek professional care. For more information on how skin cancer surgery in Singapore can help, you can read more.
Proper treatment can successfully manage skin cancer; long-term skin health is best achieved through prevention.
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NC Tan Surgery – Dr Tan Ngian Chye
Farrer Park Medical Centre
1 Farrer Park Station Road
#14-02 Connexion Singapore 217562
Phone: +65 6443 8802
