Melanoma is a form of skin cancer. For most melanomas, surgery to remove the cancer is the main treatment.
Dr O’Mahony treats melanoma that needs excision and, where the wound requires it, reconstruction. This includes melanoma on the face and other sites where closing the wound is not straightforward.
She does not provide routine skin checks. Those are undertaken by specialist dermatologists, skin cancer doctors, or GPs.
Treatment is planned from the pathology result. The melanoma is removed with a margin of normal-looking skin. The wound may then be closed directly, or reconstructed with a skin graft or a flap if it is too large or too awkwardly placed to close in a straight line.
Some people also need the lymph nodes assessed, or care from a dermatologist or oncologist. Dr O’Mahony will explain which part of that care she provides and when another specialist should be involved.
This surgery is for people with a diagnosed melanoma, or a lesion suspicious for melanoma, who have been referred for excision or reconstruction.
In most cases Dr O’Mahony will need a biopsy result from your GP, skin cancer doctor, or dermatologist before your appointment, so the diagnosis is clear and the operation can be planned properly.
The operation depends on the thickness of the melanoma, where it is, and how the wound will be repaired. Smaller excisions may be done under local anaesthetic. Larger excisions and reconstruction are done in hospital.
Dr O’Mahony will discuss the margin, the repair, the scar, and any need for further specialist care before surgery.
Recovery depends on the size of the excision and the type of repair. Most people need to avoid vigorous exercise while the wound heals, and someone else will need to drive you home if you have had sedation or a general anaesthetic.
Follow-up is part of melanoma care. Dr O’Mahony will tell you how your wound will be reviewed and what ongoing checks you need with your other doctors.
No. Dr O’Mahony’s role is the removal of melanoma and the reconstruction of the wound. Skin checks are undertaken by specialist dermatologists, skin cancer doctors, or GPs.
Surgery for melanoma is medically necessary and is usually recognised by Medicare and health funds. The level of cover depends on your policy, and there may be gap payments.
Dr O’Mahony’s nurse will provide a quote after your appointment.
Dr O’Mahony understands that a melanoma diagnosis is unsettling.
She will explain the surgery in plain language, including the scar and whether other specialists need to be involved, and she will give you time to ask questions before proceeding.
