Skin Cancer
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Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK, however most skin cancers can be cured if detected early. At Cathedral Dermatology our Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Bryan Murphy, specialises in mole checks and treatment of skin cancer.
There are two types of skin cancer, melanomas and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Melanoma is less common than non-melanoma skin cancers, however rates of new cancers are on the rise in the UK. They can develop from existing moles, but more often appear as new marks on the skin. Melanomas may appear on any part of the body but are most commonly found in men on the body, and in women on the legs. They have the potential to metastasise (spread) to other parts of the body, however, if identified and removed early, prognosis is very good.
Non-melanoma skin cancers, such as Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), are more common than melanoma. They are not related to moles or pigment cells, but other skin cells that become cancerous. BCCs are relatively low risk, extremely rarely spread and have a fantastic outlook if removed early, however, SCCs can in some cases spread to lymph nodes (glands) and rarely other organs, so should also be removed promptly. There are other rarer NMSCs but BCC and SCC are the commonest forms.
Skin Cancer Prevention
The best way to prevent yourself from developing any kind of skin cancer is by protecting your skin from excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure. You can do this by Practicing good ‘sun protective behaviour’.
Apply Regular Sunscreen
Apply regular broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, particularly during March to September and 2-3 hourly in outdoors on a sunny day or when abroad
Wear Protective Clothing
wear protective clothing and hats if outdoors
Seek Shade
If outside during peak hours, seek shaded areas to help protect your skin.
Avoid Tanning Beds
UV light from tanning beds significantly increases your risk of developing a skin cancer.
Skin Checks
Regularly performing skin checks – Perform self-examination of your skin often and schedule routine check-ups with a dermatologist to ensure early detection if you are worried or concerned.
Skin Cancer Screening
At Cathedral Dermatology, we offer thorough head to toe assessment for skin cancer screening to detect and diagnose skin cancers early. Our Consultant Dermatologist is committed to providing professional, discrete and thorough care to ensure your optimal skin health.
Why Screen for Skin Cancer?
Early detection of skin cancer, particularly for those deemed ‘higher risk’, through regular screening and skin checks can improve outcomes and reduce the need for more aggressive treatments. Our screening services are designed to identify suspicious moles, lesions, or other skin abnormalities that may indicate skin cancer or precancerous change.
What to Expect During a Skin Cancer Screening
- History and risk-assessment – our Dermatologist will sit down with you to discuss your concerns, sun habits, general background health and risk factors for developing a skin cancer.
- Visual Examination – a detailed visual inspection of your skin, head to toe, examining moles, birthmarks, and any areas of concern.
- Dermoscopy – This is a non-invasive technique that uses a specialised magnifying instrument to examine your skin lesions’s surface and deeper layers, aiding in the identification of suspicious features that might indicate cancerous change.
- Biopsy (sample) or excision (full removal) – If our Dermatologist identifies any suspicious lesions or moles during the screening, they may recommend taking some or all of it away for testing in the laboratory. This involves removal of a small sample of, or the entire lesion, for further examination under a microscope by a pathologist to confirm your diagnosis.
Who Should Consider Skin Cancer Screening?
- Individuals with Risk Factors including:
- a history of excessive sun exposure, for example, lived abroad or an outdoor occupation
- fair skin or red hair
- family history of skin cancer
- personal history of skin cancer
- patients with multiple moles
- immunosuppressed patients (ie. those with a weakened immune system due to medication or conditions that weaken and compromise their immune system)
- sunbed users
- patients with a positive gene that is linked to developing skin cancers
Our goal is to provide a timely diagnosis and personalised treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.
Contact Cathedral Dermatology to schedule your comprehensive skin cancer screening appointment.
Types of Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Signs and Symptoms of Basal Cell Carcinoma
Recognising the signs and symptoms of BCC can lead to early diagnosis and effective treatment. Basal Cell Carcinoma can appear, or be described, as-
• Shiny Bumps or nodules, small, pearly, or waxy bumps, often with visible blood vessels at the surface. Typically found on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, ears, and hands, but they can occur anywhere on the body.
• Open Sores – Persistent, non-healing sores that may bleed, ooze, or crust over. These may heal temporarily and then reappear.
• Red or Pink Patches – Flat, scaly, and may be itchy or painful.
• Scar – Like Areas- White, yellow, or waxy areas resembling a scar with poorly defined borders. Smooth and firm to the touch.
• Growths with Rolled Borders – Elevated edges with a central indentation, which may contain tiny blood vessels.
Treatment Options for Basal Cell Carcinoma
The choice of treatment for BCC depends on the size, depth, and location of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Following a detailed consultation with our Dermatologist, the most appropriate treatment pathway will be agreed between you.
Some of our treatment options available at Cathedral Dermatology are:
- Surgical Excision
- Curettage
- Cryotherapy
- Topical Treatments (like a cream or ointment)
At Cathedral Dermatology, our dedicated team is committed to providing comprehensive care for all types of skin cancer, including Basal Cell Carcinoma. If you notice any suspicious changes in your skin, contact us for a thorough evaluation and personalised treatment plan.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer, originating from the squamous cells found in the middle and outer layers of the skin’s epidermis. SCC is primarily caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. While SCC can be more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma, early detection and treatment can prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body.
Signs and Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
SCC are usually more painful than basal cell carcinoma for patients and can appear as-
• Firm, Red Nodules – Raised, red, and firm bumps on the skin, often found on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, neck, lips, and backs of the hands.
• Scaly, Crusty Patches- Rough and scaly patches that may be flat or slightly raised. Can become crusty, bleed, or develop into an open sore.
• Open Sores or poorly healing ulcers – Non-healing ulcers that may bleed or ooze.
• Wart-like Growths- Growths that resemble warts, but are more persistent and may bleed or crust over.
Treatment Options for Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Most SCCs of the skin can be successfully cured when detected and treated early. Prompt treatment following diagnosis is crucial, as advanced SCCs are more challenging to manage and can pose significant risks by spreading to nearby lymph nodes, distant tissues, and organs
- Surgery is the preferred method for removing squamous cell carcinoma, typically performed under local anaesthetic, allowing patients to return home following surgery.
- More advanced cases of SCC might require extensive surgery with a plastic surgeon, radiotherapy or systemic therapies with an oncologist but should this be required, our consultant will arrange referrals for you onto the relevant specialist(s).
At Cathedral Dermatology, our Consultant Dermatologist evaluates each patient individually, ensuring that the appropriate treatment pathway is recommended only after a comprehensive assessment.
Melanoma
Melanoma originates in the melanocytes, the cells in the lower layers of the epidermis that are responsible for producing melanin pigment, which gives skin its colour and is produced more readily when the skin works to protect its cells from UV radiation. Although less common than basal and squamous cell carcinomas, melanoma can be more aggressive because it has a higher tendency to spread to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early.
What to look out for
Any changes to your skin can be a concern, but in particular look out for growing size, changing shape, developing new colours, bleeding, pain, crusting, red around the edges or itching moles. Melanoma more commonly arises as a new mark on the skin rather than within preexisting moles. About once a month, check your skin in the shower for moles or marks that are changing or new. Our Dermatologist suggests that people always get the ‘ugly duckling’ skin lesion, that stands out from the rest, checked promptly by a specialist.
The ABCD Rule
The ABCD system tells you some of the things to lookout for.
A melanoma may show one or more of the following features:
Asymmetry – If you draw a line through the middle of the lesion, the two halves don’t match. It looks different to normal round or oval moles.
Border – the edges of the lesion it may be irregular or blurred, and sometimes show notches.
Colour – this may be uneven. Different shades of black, brown and pink and even blue/grey may be seen.
Diameter – most melanomas are at least 6 mm in diameter, however they can be much larger or even smaller.
Other Signs to Watch For:
• New Moles– Any new moles or growths on the skin that look different to your normal.
• Sores that Don’t Heal– Any sore or ulcer that doesn’t heal or repeatedly reopens.
• Pigment Spread– Colour that spreads outside of the border of a mole into surrounding skin.
• Redness or Swelling– Beyond the border of a mole.
• Itchiness, Tenderness, or Pain– A mole that feels itchy, tender, or painful.
• Changes in Texture– A mole that becomes scaly, oozes, or bleeds.
Treatment Options for Melanoma at Cathedral Dermatology
At Cathedral Dermatology, we offer surgery to remove melanoma which is the gold standard for managing these cancers. Depending on how thick their melanoma is, patients will require different types of additional surgeries, investigations and therapies that might include a wider excision, node biopsy, scans and/or systemic treatments. Our consultant will arrange referrals for you onto the relevant specialist(s) after discussing the relevant next steps appropriate to your melanoma.
If you notice any suspicious changes in your skin, contact us for a comprehensive assessment and customised treatment plan.
