Skin cancer surgery

What is a neck dissection?

Skin cancers are the most common cancer in Australia, it is estimated that skin cancers account for more than all other types of cancers combined. The most common types of cancers are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinomas. Melanomas and Merkle cell carcinomas are other skin cancer types.

Types of skin cancer surgery

• Wide local excision and reconstruction including local flaps and skin grafts

• Extensive resections for advanced skin cancers of the head and neck

• Parotidectomy and neck dissection for metastatic skin cancer

What to expect

Local disease

Dr Wang is cosmetically minded, where possible she will hide the incision along nature skin folds and shadows of your face and neck. Depending on the size, location of the skin lesion and type of reconstruction required, Dr Wang will can perform the procedure in the office under local anaesthetic or as a day only procedure in hospital. Most patients feel well enough to return to work after 1-3 days after the procedure. 

Advanced disease

Dr Wang has specialised training to treat advanced Head and Neck skin cancers that involves underlying muscle, bone or has travelled to nearby lymph nodes.  Your case will be presented at a multidisciplinary team meeting dedicated to treating advanced cancers of the head and neck.  This meeting is attended by a team of specialist doctors including radiation and medical oncologists, as well as allied health members that together formulate the best plan for your personal circumstance.