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SKIN CANCER CHECKS & SURGERY

SKIN CANCER & MOHS SURGERY
New Zealand has one of the highest rates for skin cancers in the world. For this reason, taking a pro-active approach to skin cancer is essential. Our skin centre provides a range of services that are important for preventing and detecting skin cancer.

Our services include whole-body skin check, skin cancer diagnosis, skin cancer surgery, and Mohs Micrographic Surgery. We carry out all of these services in-house. Furthermore, as a specialist dermatologist, Dr Chen also consults and treats patients with various skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis and many more.

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SKIN & MOLE CHECK

A skin and mole check is a systematic evaluation of your skin from the scalp to the toes. The assessment uses a dermatoscope which allows the lesion to be analysed more accurately.

Our specialist skin cancer surgeon and Dermatologist, Dr Peggy Chen, personally carries out each skin and mole check at our practice. Peggy sub-specialises in Mohs Surgery and is a member of the National Melanoma Committee to develop standards for skin cancer management in New Zealand.

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MOHS SURGERY

Mohs Micrographic Surgery is a specialised and highly effective treatment for skin cancer. It offers the highest cure rate (up to 99%).

At our clinic, Dr Chen removes the skin cancer and immediately processes it for microscopic analysis. Mohs surgery allows for the evaluation of the whole circumference and depth of the tissue. If there are any skin cancer cells visualised, then another layer of skin is removed. Once all the cancer cells are removed, Dr Chen reconstructs the skin on the same day for an optimal cosmetic outcome.

Due to the higher accuracy of Mohs micrographic surgery, it is also tissue sparing, meaning that it minimises the removal of healthy tissue, leading to a better cosmetic outcome.

Advantages of Mohs Micrographic Surgery:

  • It offers the highest long term cure rate of up to 99%.
  • Minimises removal of healthy tissue, therefore, leading to a better cosmetic outcome.
  • Same day procedure for skin cancer removal and reconstruction of the wound.
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FAQs

Do I need to get a skin and mole check?

We recommend that adults get a regular mole check once every year, especially if they have a family history of skin cancer. If you have a specific concern about a mole, the best way to alleviate your concerns is to book in for a check-up.

What is the difference between skin and mole check and mole mapping?

Mole mapping involves a melanographer (usually a nurse), taking photos of concerning lesions. A doctor then reviews these photographs over the internet. A fundamental limitation of Mole Maps is that not all lesions are evaluated by a doctor.

In contrast, a skin and mole check allows Dr Chen to perform a head-to-toe examination in person. When concerning lesions are identified, further management can be carried out promptly.

Do I need a referral to book an appointment?

You do not need a referral from your GP to be seen at our clinic. However, a referral can be helpful for us to ensure you will be seen in an appropriate time frame. We are affiliated with Southern Cross and all other major health insurance providers.

What is the most common type of skin cancer in New Zealand?

The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma. These are the most common type of skin cancers, accounting for about 80% of all skin cancers.

How does basal cell carcinoma form?

BCCs develop from the cells located at the bottom of the epidermis, the most superficial layer of skin. It usually progresses slowly and does not tend to spread to other parts of your body (metastasise). BCCs are commonly subtle and often easily missed in the early stages. Early detection and treatment is the key in the management of basal cell carcinoma.

How does squamous cell carcinoma form?

The second most common type of skin cancer often develops in sun-exposed areas. It is potentially more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinomas can present as enlarging red, scaly or crusted patches or lumps. In most cases, surgical removal is curative. However, in less than 5% of cases, squamous cell carcinoma can spread to the lymph nodes. Ongoing follow-ups are essential in these cases.

How does melanoma form?

Melanoma is the third most common type of skin cancer and potentially the most serious. It arises from cells that produce a pigment called melanocytes, which gives hair, skin, and eyes their colour. Melanomas are usually black or brown. It often looks like a new mole or develops from a pre-existing mole.

How do I identify melanoma?

Typical melanoma can be identified by using the ABCDE criteria:

  • Asymmetry
  • Border irregularity
  • Colour variation
  • Diameter over 6 mm
  • Evolving (enlarging, changing)

A major feature of identifying a melanoma is a change in size, irregular shape or colour. Minor features of identifying a melanoma include a diameter of more than 7mm, inflammation, oozing of the skin, and a change in sensation.

How is Mohs Surgery different to traditional skin cancer surgery?

Traditional skin cancer surgery involves skin cancer removal with a wide safety margin, creating a bigger scar than Mohs surgery. The wound is repaired immediately after removal, and the tissue is sent to the laboratory for processing over several days. If the cancer is reported as incompletely removed, further surgery is usually required. The way the tissue is processed in the laboratory does not allow analysis of the entire circumference of the tissue, therefore the chance of cancer coming back is much higher than Mohs Micrographic Surgery.

How is this different to staged excision of skin cancer surgery?

Some clinics offer staged excision for skin cancers. This method involves skin cancer removal in stages without repairing the wound straight away. After removal, the patient’s wound is dressed and they are sent home. The tissue is sent to the laboratory for urgent analysis over the next 1-2 days. If the cancer is reported to be clear, the patient returns to the clinic for repair of the wound. If the cancer is reported to be positive, further tissue is removed, and the patient returns home with a dressing to await further results. This method offers the same cure rate as the traditional skin cancer surgery, as the tissue is processed the same way as the traditional skin cancer surgery.
Peggy Chen Skin Cancer & Mohs Surgery Accepts Southern Cross Healthcare Insurance