Rarer skin cancers
While basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma are more common, there are some rarer forms of skin cancer that Dr Ch’ng also specialises in treating.
Merkel cell carcinoma treatment
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly aggressive form of skin cancer. It occurs most commonly on the head and neck, appearing as a painless, flesh-coloured, red or purple nodule (lump).
Given its innocuous appearance, MCC can often be dismissed as harmless or benign (non-cancerous). As a result, there can be a delay in diagnosing MCC, meaning it has time to spread and has a higher chance of coming back in nearby lymph nodes or elsewhere in the body, even after it has been treated.
Treatment of MCC may involve a combination of surgery, medicines and radiotherapy. As such, cases of MCC are often discussed at multidisciplinary team meetings where multiple specialists from various specialties can recommend the best treatment for the patient.
Other rarer skin cancers
There are a number of other rare types of skin cancer, including:
- Sebaceous carcinoma
- Eccrine carcinoma
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP)
- Atypical fibroxanthoma
- Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (formerly malignant fibrous histiocytoma, MFH)
- Angiosarcoma
- Kaposi sarcoma
Given the rarity of these skin cancers, it is important that treatment is provided by a surgeon who has hands on experience in this area and who is knowledgeable in the latest treatment updates (including clinical trials).
Dr Ch’ng has a special interest in the treatment of rarer skin cancers, is actively involved in clinical research, and collaborates seamlessly with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for her Sydney patients.
Get in touch
If you’d like to know more about our head and neck, plastic or skin cancer surgical services, or if you have a question for Dr Ch’ng, we’d love to hear from you.
