Melanoma Surgery Toowoomba

Wide local excision is a common surgical treatment for melanoma, where the melanoma site is removed along with a margin of surrounding healthy skin to minimize the risk of cancer remaining in the area. The extent of tissue removed is determined by the melanoma's characteristics, such as its thickness and location. For suitable early melanomas, this specialist melanoma surgery may be performed under local anaesthetic in our Minor Procedure Clinic, eliminating the need for hospital admission. Additionally, melanoma aftercare following the procedure is essential for optimal recovery. In some cases, a sentinel lymph node biopsy may also be recommended to assess the spread of melanoma.

A sentinel lymph node biopsy may be recommended for certain melanomas to determine whether cancer cells have spread to nearby lymph nodes. This procedure involves identifying and removing the first lymph node or nodes most likely to receive drainage from the melanoma site for examination. The results play a crucial role in guiding staging, further investigations, and discussions about additional treatment options, including potential specialist melanoma surgery or wide local excision. It's important to note that not every patient with melanoma requires a sentinel lymph node biopsy. Dr O'Donohue will explain whether this procedure is appropriate for your diagnosis and discuss relevant melanoma aftercare.

When melanoma has spread to lymph nodes, surgery, such as a sentinel lymph node biopsy or specialist melanoma surgery, may be considered in selected circumstances. Dr O'Donohue performs lymph node procedures involving the armpit (axilla) and groin where clinically indicated. Treatment decisions, guided by current evidence and multidisciplinary discussion, include considerations for systemic treatments, wide local excision, and ongoing melanoma aftercare.

Some melanomas require a wide local excision, necessitating the removal of a larger area of skin, especially when they are located on the face, limbs, or other regions where wound closure may be more complex. Following specialist melanoma surgery, Dr O'Donohue focuses on melanoma aftercare, performing reconstructive procedures including: full-thickness and split-thickness skin grafts, local and regional flap reconstruction, and biodegradable temporising matrix (BTM) reconstruction where appropriate. These techniques aim to effectively close surgical wounds and promote healing, while also taking into account both function and appearance, particularly after sentinel lymph node biopsy.