If you have unfortunately developed skin cancer, don’t lose hope as there are several treatments available for skin cancer, one major among them being cancer laser removal.
Laser surgery for skin cancer removal is as simple as the expert breast augmentation Coffs Harbour from PCLS Coffs Harbour and includes using a particular wavelength of light that is focused with a thin beam.
This light is of high intensity and is used to reduce or even destroy skin cancer or pre-cancer (actinic keratosis) condition.
Laser treatment is beneficial because it causes less bleeding, inflammation, swelling and scarring. Even healing is faster and there is a less possibility of an infection.
Types of lasers used to treat skin cancer are different and include the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser.
What is the Procedure of Laser Surgery?
Laser surgery for skin cancer is an outpatient procedure and lasts for around an hour. An experienced cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist performs it.
The area of treatment is numbed with a local anaesthetic. You may also be given a sedative medicine.
You’ll also be given protection to wear on eyes during the treatment. Then the doctor will focus the laser at the lesion.
Abnormal cells at the lesion will be heated and destroyed by the laser. The vapourised lesion will then be wiped by your doctor with a wet gauze.
If bleeding is caused by the laser in the treated area, it will be stopped by using laser again. Then your doctor will bandage the site of treatment.
What Should You Expect?
You will first need to meet your doctor if you’re planning to get something like laser treatment for skin cancer removal at PCLS Coffs Harbour.
During the meeting, you need to talk to your doctor about whether you are really a good candidate for the procedure.
Once you’re considered a right candidate for the surgery, your doctor will perform the procedure.
Your doctor will instruct you to stop smoking 2 weeks before and after the treatment.
Although laser causes less bleeding, swelling etc. you should expect some pain at the spot of wound for a few days after the procedure.
The wound will be healed typically in 2 to 4 weeks. You should strictly follow your doctor’s instructions about caring for your surgical wound.
Why Laser Surgery for Skin Cancer?
Your doctor may prefer laser surgery to treat an actinic keratosis, and on rare occasions, low-risk basal cell carcinoma.
Does It Work Well?
Yes, it works well. In fact, laser surgery is a powerful treatment for actinic keratosis.
If it’s used for the treatment of basal cell skin carcinomas, it must only be performed for low-risk cancers.
Although laser surgery may be effective in treating these types of cancers, it may not completely remove the cancer or prevent it from recurring.
What are the Risks?
While laser surgery for skin cancers is overall safe, it includes a slight risk of infection. If you experience the following signs of infection, don’t hesitate to call your doctor:
- Increase in redness, heat, pain, tenderness or swelling
- Discharge of puss
- Red lines extending from the area
- Fever of 38° C (100° F) or higher with no other apparent reason
Understanding all these facts will help you choose the treatment and get rid of your cancer.