Facial & Scalp Skin Cancer Surgery (SCC, BCC, Melanoma)

Skin cancers arising on the face and scalp — including Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), and Melanoma — often require precise surgical management by a specialist experienced in both oncological resection and functional reconstruction. Dr. Antony Raj James has specialized training in head and neck oncology and extensive experience in the surgical treatment of cutaneous malignancies of the head and neck region.

Types of Skin Cancer Treated

• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) – The most common skin cancer, typically slow-growing and locally invasive. Surgical excision with clear margins remains the standard treatment for most BCCs on the face and scalp.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) – A more aggressive skin cancer with potential for lymph node spread. High-risk SCCs require wider excision margins and evaluation of regional lymph nodes.
• Melanoma – A potentially aggressive skin cancer arising from pigment-producing cells. Treatment includes wide local excision with recommended margins based on tumor thickness, and sentinel lymph node biopsy where indicated.

Surgical Approach

The primary treatment for most facial and scalp skin cancers is surgical excision with histologically confirmed clear margins. The extent of excision depends on the tumor type, size, location, and depth. For high-risk tumors, wider margins are required to achieve adequate local control.

Dr. James plans each resection carefully to balance oncological adequacy with the preservation of facial structures and aesthetics. Where tissue removal is significant, reconstructive procedures are incorporated into the surgical plan.

Reconstruction After Skin Cancer Excision

Reconstruction of facial and scalp defects following skin cancer excision is an integral part of surgical planning. Options depend on the size, location, and depth of the defect and may include:

• Primary closure for small defects
• Local or regional flap reconstruction for medium to large defects
• Skin grafting where appropriate
• Complex reconstructive flaps for large or functionally critical areas

Lymph Node Management

High-risk SCCs and melanomas carry a risk of regional lymph node metastasis. Depending on the clinical and pathological features, management of regional lymph nodes may include observation, sentinel lymph node biopsy, or therapeutic neck dissection. Dr. James has extensive experience with neck dissection and sentinel node procedures in the context of head and neck skin cancers.

Multidisciplinary Cancer Care

Advanced or recurrent skin cancers may benefit from adjuvant treatment including radiotherapy or systemic therapy. Dr. James participates in multidisciplinary tumour-board discussions to integrate surgical management with radiation oncology and medical oncology input for comprehensive skin cancer care.

Why Choose Dr. Antony Raj James?

• Specialized Head & Neck Oncology Training – MCh in Head & Neck Oncology from Tata Memorial Hospital/ACTREC, Mumbai.
• Expert in Facial & Scalp Oncological Surgery – Experience in wide local excisions and complex reconstructions for SCC, BCC, and melanoma.
• Reconstructive Expertise – Local, regional, and pedicled flap reconstruction to restore form and function.
• Multidisciplinary Approach – Coordinated tumour-board-based management for high-risk and advanced skin cancers.