Skin cancers are growths on the skin that usually develop on sun-exposed areas such as the face, arms and back. If they are left untreated, skin cancers can enlarge, ulcerate and spread. Fortunately, most skin cancers are curable if they are identified early and treated appropriately.
Our team of dermatologists, and surgeons, are very experienced at identifying and treating skin cancers. We offer a range of services including Mohs surgery, a specialist form of skin caner surgery for more complex facial tumours as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Our specialists offer the full range of services including skin and mole checks and mole dermoscopy to detect skin cancers early, through to comprehensive management of skin cancers including surgery, the highly specialised Mohs micrographic surgery and topical treatments.
There are three common types of skin cancer – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
If you feel you are at risk of skin cancer or have a lesion that you are worried about, then please arrange to see one of our Dermatologists for a skin check – a comprehensive head to to examination by an expert. Skin cancers can be diagnosed by their appearance by a specialist. If there is any doubt, a biopsy may be obtained.
Skin cancers can have many different appearances. Melanomas are irregular looking brown moles, while squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas present as red lumps or ulcers.
If you are at high risk of skin cancer, then it is sensible to protect yourself against the sun. Simply put – Don’t Tan, Don’t Burn. This does not mean you can not enjoy outdoor activities. In fact, you should be able to continue to do most things. The precautions you should take are:
More information about sun protection can be found at the Cancer Research UK Sun Smart website.
90% of skin cancer is caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolent light (UV).
This can occur while sun bathing on holidays but it is important to remember that day to day outdoor activities at home such as walking and gardening also lead to UV exposure.
Excessive exposure to UV light also cause premature ageing of the skin. This presents as sun spots, lines and wrinkles, and telangiectasias.
Skin cancer can occur in any one, but they are more likely to affect those who have one or more of the following characteristics :
The following treatments are provided by our Consultants.
Topical therapies – anti-cancer creams such as Efudix cream and Imiquimod can be used under specialist guidance
Curettage – scraping superficial growths
Mohs micrographic surgery – a specialised technique for excising facial skin cancers, that are complex, difficult to see clearly or agressive
Excision – surgically removing skin cancers and a safety margin of normal skin
Screening for other skin cancers and pre-cancerous growths