Types of Skin Cancer Surgery and Their Costs in Australia

Clinic location, expert experience, type of procedure and many such factors influence the costs of skin cancer surgery. Mainly, there are three types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. The treatment an individual gets depends on the severity of the cancer or if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, mainly in melanoma.

There are several techniques or surgical procedures for treating skin cancers. These options include excision, curettage, cryotherapy and the specialised Mohs surgery. Every treatment has its own cost and expenses depending on the diagnosis, public or private hospital setting and the surgical expert’s experience.

What Are The Different Types of Skin Cancer Surgery and Their Costs in Australia?

Although there are several types of skin cancer surgery, we will discuss a few of the common ones. Here are some of the selected and most effective ones:

• Mohs Micrographic Surgery

It is a precise surgical technique used for removing skin cancer layer by layer. It allows for immediate microscopic examination of each tissue, later ensuring complete cancer removal while preserving healthy tissue.

This procedure is used for high-risk cancers, especially those on the face, hands and feet. It provides high cure rates by mapping and removing any remaining roots of the cancer until no tumour cells are visible under the microscope.

Although the exact cost varies depending on the factors discussed above, it may fall around $1,000 for the procedure.

• Surgery Excision

Surgical excision is a standard treatment for skin cancer where a healthcare professional removes the cancerous growth and a surrounding margin of healthy skin to ensure all cancer cells are gone.

This procedure uses local anaesthesia for small lesions and may require a skin graft or flap for larger areas. The extracted tissue is then sent to a lab for analysis. It may cost from a few hundred dollars for simple biopsies to several thousand dollars for more complex surgeries.

This procedure removes the visible skin cancer along with a border of healthy-looking skin surrounding it. This “margin” of healthy tissue helps ensure that all cancer cells, including any microscopic ones that may have spread into the surrounding skin, are completely removed.

• Curettage

Early-stage basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma can be treated with this surgical method. Curettage with electrosurgery, also called electrodesiccation or cautery, is an effective office-based treatment.

The dermatologist numbs the area, uses a sharp, spoon-shaped instrument called a curette to scrape away the cancerous tissue, and then applies an electric current using a needle or tool to destroy remaining cells. The tissue is sent to a lab to confirm a cancer diagnosis.

In Australia, the average out-of-pocket cost for a curettage in a private hospital is approximately $270. However, costs can vary, with potential specialists’ fees reaching around $1,200.

• Cryosurgery

It uses extreme cold, usually from liquid nitrogen, to freeze and destroy skin cancer cells and abnormal tissue, making it a treatment option for certain skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, as well as precancerous lesions called actinic keratoses.

The procedure is performed by a healthcare professional using a spray or cryo tweezers and is done as an outpatient procedure under local anaesthesia. After treatment, the area may become red and blistered, forming a scab that falls off within weeks, allowing healthy skin to grow back.

Cryosurgery costs in Australia vary depending on the medical item and whether Medicare rebates apply, but a typical out-of-pocket expense for a specific private setting procedure is around $606.

You need to search for the procedures and contact the nearby healthcare provider to get an idea of the cost. Different things can influence cost, so it is better to be aware of all the factors affecting the cost of skin cancer surgery in Australia.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Skin Cancer Treatment In Australia

The cost of skin cancer treatment in Australia is affected by the type and stage of cancer, the specific treatments used, the need for specialist and diagnostic services, and the complexity of the treatment. Here is a more detailed breakdown:

• The type and stage of the cancer can determine the cost of the procedure. Some cancers that often get complex may require expensive systemic therapies.
• If the diagnosis is not done on time and the severity of the cancer increases, it may require more attention from professionals, which will significantly increase the cost of the treatment.
• Costs for imaging, biopsies, and lymph node sampling all contribute to the overall expense.
• Some experienced and skilled professionals charge more because of the expert services they provide, which can influence the cost of the overall procedure.

Search for your nearby skin clinics and their charges for a better understanding. You can visit the clinic and book an appointment for an overall skin check.