Quick Answer:
Skin cancer surgery removes a cancerous skin growth by excising it with a margin of surrounding tissue to clear the affected cells, and reconstructs the resulting defect with a local flap or skin graft when direct closure is not possible. It is often done as day surgery under local or general anaesthesia. Dr Ong Wei Chen performs skin cancer excision and reconstruction at WC Ong Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, Gleneagles Medical Centre, Singapore.
What is skin cancer?
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells, most often on sun-exposed areas such as the face, scalp, ears, neck and chest. Ultraviolet rays damage the DNA in skin cells, causing cells in the outer layer (the epidermis) to grow abnormally. Skin cancers are grouped into melanoma and non-melanoma types, the latter including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). When detected early, most skin cancers can be treated, and surgical removal is the mainstay of treatment.
What are the main types of skin cancer?
“Skin cancer surgery is reconstructive as much as it is oncological — clearing the cancer with proper margins, then rebuilding the area so the scar sits in a natural skin line.”
— Dr Ong Wei Chen, Senior Consultant Plastic SurgeonSkin cancers are grouped into melanoma and non-melanoma types, each behaving differently:
the most common, slow-growing non-melanoma cancer, often appearing as a pearly patch.
a non-melanoma cancer that can appear as a scaly patch or a scab that does not heal.
a less common but more aggressive cancer that often arises from a new or changing mole.
What are the general symptoms of skin cancer?
What are the general symptoms of skin cancer?
Skin cancer often shows as a new, changing or non-healing mark on the skin, and any of the following warrants prompt medical assessment:
- New or irregular moles forming.
- Irregular or pearly patches on the skin.
- Scaly patches on the skin.
- Unusually coloured spots on the skin.
- Scabs or sores that do not heal.
How is skin cancer removed?
How is skin cancer removed?
Skin cancer is most commonly treated by surgically excising the affected area to remove the cancerous cells with a margin of surrounding tissue, which aims to clear the cancer and reduce the chance of it returning. Removal is usually performed as day surgery, so you may return home the same day. Surgery is planned around the size, type and location of the lesion, and can be done under local or general anaesthesia. Dr Ong Wei Chen assesses each lesion and plans the excision accordingly.
How is the wound reconstructed after excision?
Reconstruction restores the skin after the cancer is removed, and the method depends on how much tissue is excised:
Wide local excision
Wide local excision
Wide local excision — the cancer is removed with margins, and small tissue samples around the lesion are often sent for immediate (frozen-section) analysis to confirm clearance before the wound is closed; suitable for smaller areas.
Wide local excision with reconstruction
Wide local excision with reconstruction
Wide local excision with a local flap — when the defect is large, a flap of nearby tissue is moved to close it, with incisions planned along skin crease lines to reduce the appearance of scarring.
Skin graft reconstruction
Skin graft reconstruction
Skin graft reconstruction — a graft taken from an area where the scar can be concealed is used to resurface the excised area.
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
How should I prepare for skin cancer surgery in Singapore?
Yes — removing a skin cancer requires an incision, and reconstruction may add further incisions, so some scarring is expected. The surgeon places incisions along the natural folds and lines of the skin to reduce their appearance during healing, and the clinic advises on wound care and scar management. The extent of scarring depends on the size and location of the cancer and whether a flap or graft is needed. Dr Ong Wei Chen explains the expected scarring before surgery.
Will skin cancer removal leave a scar?
Some swelling and bruising is expected but should subside after 2-4 weeks. As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with skin cancer removal surgery. These include bleeding, infection and poor wound healing in the initial recovery period. Our surgeon will take all necessary precautions to reduce the risk of these complications. You can also minimize adverse reactions by following post-operative instructions and attending follow-up appointments regularly.
What are the risks and side effects of skin cancer surgery?
Some swelling and bruising is expected and usually settles within two to four weeks, and as with any surgery there are risks including bleeding, infection and slower wound healing. Following post-operative instructions and attending follow-up appointments help reduce complications. After surgery it is advisable to limit sun exposure to support healing and reduce the risk of recurrence. Dr Ong Wei Chen reviews the risks relevant to your case beforehand.
Can skin cancer surgery be claimed under Medisave or insurance in Singapore?
Skin cancer excision is a medical procedure and is generally claimable, depending on your policy and the clinical indication. WC Ong Plastic Reconstructive Surgery assists with direct insurance e-filing and Medisave claims. Because coverage varies with the type of cancer and your policy, confirm the details with your insurer or the clinic before surgery.
Contact Us Today
Dr Ong is a fully accredited Singapore plastic surgeon. She currently practices at WC Ong Plastic Reconstructive Surgery at Gleneagles Medical Centre, serving patients in all Parkway hospitals and Mount Alvernia Hospital. Under the competent and experienced hands of one of the best female plastic surgeons in Singapore, you can be assured of quality care and treatment.
