SKIN CANCERS OF THE HEAD AND NECK
Dr Strecker performs a lot of facial skin cancer excision and reconstruction. Small skin cancers require minor procedures. Some skin cancers require more complex procedures. The location of the cancer is a large factor with regard to the complexity of the procedure. Cancers on the nose, lips, eyelids or eyebrow are more difficult to treat than lesions on the cheeks or forehead or scalp.
Dr Strecker generally does not treat growths that are not in the head and neck region.
REFERRAL
You will need a referral from your Family Doctor or a Dermatologist in order for Dr Strecker to assess your skin cancer.
Growths on the face can be cancerous or non cancerous. A specialist can usually tell by detailed examination whether a growth is cancerous or not, but sometimes a biopsy is taken to determine whether the growth is a cancer, or what type of cancer it is.
TYPES OF SKIN CANCER
*Basal cell cancer
*Squamous cell cancer
*Melanoma
TREATMENT
There are a variety of possible treatments for skin cancer:
*Surgery - most skin cancers on the facial area are treated surgically
*Radiation - can be very effective in some situations; performed at the Cancer Agency
*Curettage - a form of scraping that can treat pre cancerous spots or superficial cancers
*Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen) - can treat pre cancerous areas
*Topical agents (Efudex® or Aldara®) - can treat some superficial skin cancers and precancerous spots
If you have been referred to Dr Strecker, he will likely treat your skin cancer with surgery. In some cases he will refer you to a Radiation Oncologist for radiation. Other treatments listed are usually performed by your GP.
Most skin cancers can be excised in the office with local anesthetic alone. In some cases, especially if you have other medical conditions (eg pacemaker or cardiac issues) your surgery may be performed at Peace Arch Hospital. Occasionally you will require a general anesthetic for certain reconstructive procedures.
Dr Strecker works closely with other cancer specialists including Dermatologists and Oncologists at the Fraser Valley Cancer Center.
RECONSTRUCTION
When a skin cancer is excised, sometimes complex reconstruction is required. Dr Strecker will usually show you examples of other patients who have had similar procedures. Every effort is made to reconstruct your facial tissues to minimize scarring and deformity. Nevertheless, permanent scars are unavoidable and in some cases they will be quite visible and facial changes may result. Other procedures at a later date may be necessary to provide further improvement.
POSTOPERATIVE CARE
Sutures are usually removed after 7-10 days. Activity should be minimized for the first few days and sometimes longer, depending on the extent of the surgery. Infection and bleeding occasionally occur after reconstruction. Contact Dr Strecker if you have any concerns about healing. Keep the wound clean and dry. Use of antibiotic ointment can be helpful to maximize healing.