Skin cancer treatment
- Surgical Excision is still the main treatment for all skin cancers, to remove all the skin cancer cells completely either by Mohs Surgery or wide excision surgery.
- There are other treatment options such as cryosurgery, topical creams, photodynamic therapy, curettage with electrosurgery, and radiotherapy, all with variable cure rates.
- For skin cancer cases which have spread to other parts of the body (metastasis), chemotherapy may be considered
Standard Wide Excision of Skin Cancer
Following standard wide excision of non-melanoma skin cancers, the wound is immediately closed and the tissue specimen sent for histology processing which can take a couple of days.
Histology sections are created at various distances through the tissue specimen and microscopically assessed to determine clearance, however only a small fraction of the actual surgical margins is assessed by the pathologist.
There is a risk of incomplete excisions which add to the stress and burden of patients requiring subsequent re-excision surgeries.
Mohs Surgery of Skin Cancer
Mohs Surgery has the benefit of microscopically examining the entire deep and peripheral surgical margins at the same time.
A methodical Mohs mapping and colour coding system allows precise localisation of any remaining cancer cells, which allows the skin cancer to be excised progressively in stages to ensure that only affected cancer-containing skin tissue is removed.
Mohs Surgery allows wound repair on the same day following confirmation that all the skin cancer cells have been completely removed.
By preserving as much healthy skin tissue, especially important in cosmetically sensitive areas on the face, the wounds are smaller and the cosmetic outcome much better.
DISCLAIMER:
The information written and published on this website is not intended to substitute the recommendations of a trained professional and does not replace a professional consultation.
It is advisable to undergo a formal consultation to help establish a relationship between the doctor and yourself, accurately determine your concerns/problems, and get the appropriate treatments for them.
It is also imperative to note that the contents of the website with respect to treatments, results and pricing can vary from individual to individual, and can only be accurately determined by the doctor upon diagnosis.
Do note that all medical treatments will only be administered upon proper consultation, with the requirement that patients be above 21 years of age to provide legal consent.
Skin Cancer
Meet your Dermatologist
Dr Tay Liang Kiat
Dermatologist
Dr Tay Liang Kiat is a fully accredited Dermatologist who specialises in skin cancers, Mohs micrographic surgery, dermatologic and nail surgery, aesthetic dermatology and laser procedures. With more than 20 years of clinical experience, he also manages other aspects of general ambulatory and inpatient dermatology, including eczema, psoriasis, acne, urticaria, hair loss, children skin issues and other complex medical dermatology. In addition, he has expertise in the use of the latest immunotherapy (biologics) treatment for severe eczema, psoriasis and urticaria.
