After a Skin Cancer Diagnosis: When to See a Surgeon
If a biopsy has confirmed a skin cancer, surgery is the main treatment for most basal cell carcinomas (BCC), squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and melanomas. See a surgeon when the cancer is on the face, ears, nose or hands, is large, recurrent, incompletely removed, a melanoma, or when your GP recommends it. A GP referral lets you claim Medicare. In Brisbane, Dr Goutham Sivasuthan removes skin cancers with clear margins as a day procedure.
What your diagnosis actually means
A skin cancer diagnosis sounds frightening, but the great majority of skin cancers found in Australia are very treatable — especially when caught early. The three common types behave differently:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) — the most common; grows slowly and almost never spreads, but should still be removed.
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) — grows faster and can spread if neglected, so it is treated more promptly.
- Melanoma — the most serious, because it can spread, but highly curable when found and removed early.
A skin check or biopsy tells you the type. The next step for most skin cancers is to remove the lesion completely with a margin of healthy skin — and that is a surgical job.
Who treats skin cancer — GP, skin doctor, or surgeon?
Different practitioners handle different parts of the journey. GPs and skin-cancer clinics are excellent for skin checks, biopsies and removing small, low-risk lesions. A surgeon is the right choice when a cancer is larger, higher-risk, in a cosmetically or functionally sensitive area, needs reconstruction, or is a melanoma. Dermatologists and a multidisciplinary team also contribute for complex cases.
There is no single “correct” path for everyone — what matters is that the cancer is removed completely and the result is checked by pathology.
Diagnosed and not sure what to do next?
Bring your referral and pathology, and we will talk you through your options — no pressure to book.
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When you should see a surgeon
See a surgeon — or ask your GP for a referral — when any of the following apply:
- The cancer is on the face, nose, ears, lips, eyelids, scalp or hands, where margins and appearance both matter.
- It is large, deep, or fixed to underlying tissue.
- It is a melanoma, which needs a planned wide local excision and sometimes a sentinel node biopsy.
- A previous removal had incomplete margins, or the cancer has come back.
- The wound will need reconstruction (a flap or graft) to close and heal well.
- Your GP or skin doctor recommends a surgical opinion.
For confirmed BCC or SCC, see our skin cancer surgery page; if the lesion is an undiagnosed mole or lump, start with mole and skin lesion removal.
What to bring to your first appointment
Make the first visit count by bringing:
- Your GP referral (needed for a Medicare rebate).
- Any biopsy or pathology report and the location of the lesion.
- A list of your medications, especially blood thinners.
- Your questions — about margins, scarring, recovery and timing.
What surgical treatment involves
Most skin cancers are removed by excision with a clear margin — taking the cancer plus a rim of normal-looking skin so nothing is left behind. This is usually a day procedure under local anaesthetic, and the tissue is sent to pathology to confirm the margins are clear. Larger or facial cancers may need a skin flap or graft to restore appearance. If margins come back involved, a further excision may be advised. You can read the detail on the skin cancer surgery and melanoma surgery pages.
How quickly should you act?
Timing depends on the type. Melanoma and SCC should be treated promptly because they can progress, so these are prioritised. BCC is less urgent but should not be left indefinitely — it keeps growing locally and a small early excision is far simpler than a large late one. If you have a confirmed diagnosis, the safest approach is to arrange your surgical appointment without delay.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to see a skin cancer surgeon in Brisbane?
A GP referral is recommended. It lets you claim a Medicare rebate and keeps your GP informed. Ask your GP to refer you to Dr Goutham Sivasuthan, or contact our rooms for guidance.
Is skin cancer surgery covered by Medicare?
Surgical excision of a diagnosed skin cancer is a Medicare item. Out-of-pocket costs depend on the complexity of the procedure and your insurance; all costs are confirmed with you in writing before any procedure.
Will I have a scar?
Any excision leaves a scar, but it is planned to follow natural skin lines and to keep the cosmetic result as good as possible. Most scars fade considerably over 6–12 months with good wound care and sun protection.
Can my GP just remove it instead?
GPs can remove small, low-risk skin cancers. Larger, higher-risk or facial lesions, melanomas, and cancers needing reconstruction are better managed by a surgeon who can achieve clear margins and plan the repair.
How long is recovery after skin cancer surgery?
Most people return to light activity within a day or two. Sutures are usually removed at 7–14 days depending on the site, and the scar continues to settle over several months.
What if the margins are not clear?
If pathology shows cancer at the edge of what was removed, a further excision is recommended to remove the remaining cancer and achieve a clear margin. This is a common, planned next step.
Related reading
Speak to a Brisbane skin cancer surgeon
Diagnosed with a BCC, SCC or melanoma? Dr Goutham Sivasuthan can assess your referral and arrange complete surgical removal with a considered cosmetic result.
Request an appointmentThis article is general information, not personal medical advice. For advice about your own situation, see your GP or Dr Goutham Sivasuthan.