Dr. Amanda Glanz

Dr. Amanda Glanz I’m Dr. Amanda Glanz, a dermatologist committed to skin health and patient care.

Reflectance Confocal Microscopy (RCM) is an advanced non-invasive imaging technique that allows 'optical biopsy' of the ...
09/06/2026

Reflectance Confocal Microscopy (RCM) is an advanced non-invasive imaging technique that allows 'optical biopsy' of the skin, aiding in the diagnosis of melanoma and precise preoperative localization, especially in cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face.

For many Australians, skin cancer and the risk of skin cancer are all too familiar subjects. Australia may be renowned f...
09/06/2026

For many Australians, skin cancer and the risk of skin cancer are all too familiar subjects. Australia may be renowned for its sun-kissed complexions and love of the outdoors but the majority of the population have not been born with skin types designed to cope with the effects of the sun. The exposure to the sun and the power of the UV rays that are directly impacting on the skin with no Ozone layer to filter is having a significant impact on skin cancer rates in Australia.
Australians have the highest rate of skin cancer in the world.
Why does skin cancer removal require reconstruction?
To excise a skin cancer, it must be surgically removed. This creates a wound. On occasion, depending upon the size and location of the wound, the wound may be left to heal on its own in a process known as granulating. More frequently when a wound requires surgical repair, it is known as ‘reconstruction’. Reconstruction can lead to faster and more efficient wound healing.
What happens during the skin cancer removal?
To ensure the complete removal of the skin cancer and associated cancerous cells an additional margin of skin will be excised. This area of excision establishes the area, depth and shape of reconstruction that will be required. The surgeons at Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery are experienced in the different reconstruction options that may be required dependent upon the area and location of the wound and to reconstruct the area to provide the best cosmetic result for your skin and appearance.
What reconstruction options are available?
Direct Closure
A straight line scar can be used when the skin wound is small and well oriented. The surrounding skin must be loose enough to enable the cancer to be removed and the wound reconstructed with a straight line scar.
Flap
A wound reconstruction can involve a flap of skin. The flap is a portion of skin with blood supply still intact. This procedure may be simple or complex depending on the site and size of the excision area. The flap of skin can be twisted and shaped to cover up the segment of missing skin where the skin cancer has been removed.
Graft
In a graft, essentially one portion of skin is taken from another area and sutured into place to fill the wound. The success of the graft is reliant open a wound that is accepting of the graft, with plenty of scope for the new blood vessels to grow and adhere and the graft and wound to heal.
Why is the extra margin of skin taken?
Known as ‘margin control’ it is a requirement that all cancers be removed with a margin of ‘normal’ tissue to ensure that any traces of the cancerous tumour are removed. Margin control can have a significant impact on the reconstructive capabilities of a wound. If the margins are considered ‘not clear’, then the tissue that is being used to reconstruct the wound must be re-elevated while the further cancerous affected tissue is removed.
Reconstructive surgery for skin cancer removal is often complex. The nose, ears, lips and eyelids are sensitive areas to perform skin cancer removal on and are also some of the most common areas for skin cancers to occur.
The skilled reconstructive surgeons at Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgeon can repair difficult skin cancer wounds in complex locations with the aim of exceptional functional cancer free sites and cosmetically pleasing results.

The most common cancer in Australia is skin cancer. Australia holds the unwanted title of one of the highest rates of sk...
09/06/2026

The most common cancer in Australia is skin cancer. Australia holds the unwanted title of one of the highest rates of skin cancer prevalence in the world.
There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. Surgical intervention is generally required combined with ongoing skin checks and monitoring.
The three main types of Cancer
1. Basal cell carcinomas are the most frequent, yet least aggressive skin cancer form, typically developing on areas regularly exposed to the sun including your face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders, or back. Basal Cell Carcinomas appear as a shiny bump, open sore, reddish patch or pink growth. They remain in the one area and do not spread Treatment involves a one-time treatment to surgically remove the infected area.
2. A more aggressive form is known as Squamous Cell Carcinoma. These are more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma and may result from excessive sun exposure or exposure to carcinogenic chemicals. These do have the ability to spread to other areas of the body such as the lymph glands. Spreading typically occurs if the cancer is larger or has been growing, untreated, for a long period of time. Treatment involves surgery to remove the cancer and close monitoring of the lymph glands in the area.
3. Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, but also the least common. If not detected early, melanoma may spread to the surrounding lymph glands or other organs. To treat melanoma, the affected skin needs to be surgically removed, along with a rim of normal skin surrounding the infected area. Tests, including a chest x-ray, blood test, the sampling of lymph glands, and CT scans may also be performed to ensure that the cancer has not spread elsewhere. Best practice is to continue to monitor the patient to ensure the Cancer does not return over the coming years.
Melanoma
• Appears as a new spot or an existing spot that changes in colour, size or shape.
• Can appear on skin not normally exposed to the sun.
Nodular melanoma
• Grows quickly.
• Looks different from common melanomas. Raised and even in colour.
• Many are red or pink, and some are brown or black.
• They are firm to touch and dome-shaped.
• After a while, they begin to bleed and crust.
Basal cell carcinoma
• Red, pale or pearly in colour, appears as a lump or dry, scaly area.
• May ulcerate or fail to completely heal.
• Grows slowly, usually on areas that are often exposed to the sun.
Squamous cell carcinoma
• A thickened, scaly red spot that may bleed easily, crust or ulcerate.
• Grows over some months, usually on areas often exposed to the sun.
• More likely to occur in people over 50 years of age.
How do you identify a cancerous spot?
It is important that you get to know your skin and inspect it regularly. It is even more important that you have regular skin cancer checks performed by a professional at a skin cancer clinic. When you inspect regularly you will have a solid understanding of what is normal for your skin; you will be aware of where your blemishes and spots are and can monitor them for any changes in size, colour and texture. It is important to note that skin cancers are rarely painful and are most commonly seen before they are felt.
Tips for self-checking.
For a comprehensive self-check, you will need access to a mirror and it is best performed in the n**e. Skin cancers can appear anywhere on your skin including areas that are not exposed to sunlight like the soles of your feet.
– Have good light and limited shadow to conduct the check in
– Check your entire body – between your fingers and toes and even your armpits and backs pf the knees.
– You can use a mirror to help with difficult to see areas like your back and scalp or get a trusted friend or family member to help you.
– Skin cancers can even appear under your nails.
If you notice a skin change it does not necessarily mean you have skin cancer. If you have any doubt about the status of a mark on your skin or are unsure if you are skin checking properly make an appointment with a health professional to have your skin assessed. They will be happy to assist you with tips and guidance for self-checking.

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