If you’ve recently been diagnosed with skin cancer, you may have many questions about what lies ahead in your cancer journey.
There are three main types of skin cancer: melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). These cancers have different levels of aggression, but all generally require surgical intervention and may need ongoing observation. We will advise you about a clear plan for ongoing surveillance of your skin cancer if required.
Melanoma is the most talked about form of skin cancer, but it is not the most common. It is a serious condition, however, if it is detected early and treated correctly it can pose minimal risk for the future. You don't need to wait for melanoma treatment, and we put aside time to assess and treat urgent referrals.
To treat melanoma and stop it from spreading, the melanoma and some surrounding skin need to be surgically removed. Your pathway forward depends on specific
features that we assess microscopically. Your surgeon will discuss these with you and advise what additional treatment and investigation may be required.
There is a range of medical terms that you may have encountered at this stage in your cancer experience. All of our surgeons offer sentinel node biopsy, multidisciplinary meeting review, PET scanning and referral for immunotherapy where appropriate; we will explain the impact and importance of each of these at each stage of your surgery journey. Once your treatment is complete, we provide clear guidance on appropriate follow-up over the next five years and we support annual skin checks in high-risk patients.
The skin cancer we see most frequently is basal cell carcinomas, typically occurring on sun-exposed skin on the face, neck, shoulders, back and legs. Experienced surgeons can recognise these as a small, pearly nodule, or a bleeding ulcer. Distinguishing features can usually be identified with a dermoscope (a small handheld microscope) but occasionally a small sample, called a biopsy, is needed to confirm the diagnosis before treatment.
Their growth is almost always limited to the original location and the affected area is usually clearly visible, meaning surgical removal is usually all that is
necessary. Some superficial BCCs can be treated with a topical cream and don’t need surgery. Advanced BCCs can require complex reconstruction and occasionally radiotherapy to reduce the risk of recurrence in the area.
In comparison, squamous cell carcinomas are far more aggressive and most often result from too much time in the sun. They have the ability to spread elsewhere in your body, most commonly to your neck or groin. The risk of the cancer spreading is greater if the cancer is larger, rapidly changing. or has been growing untreated, for a long period of time.
Treatment involves surgery to remove the cancer and close monitoring of key local areas, such as your lymph nodes. Surgery is usually all that is required, but sometimes additional radiotherapy may be needed.
We undertake significant planning to limit the amount of scarring after surgery, as these change significantly during the initial healing period and can take up to 2 years to reach their final form. External factors can influence scar formation, but our careful planning of scar placement can help the scar stay as hidden as possible and help you maintain a higher quality of life.
We will advise you on the best techniques to minimise scarring and encourage faster wound healing. Your surgeon will advise you on whether more complex techniques of local flaps and skin grafts will be required, and our reconstructive plastic surgeons are best trained to assess and perform these with the best cosmetic results.
Whether you are considering reconstruction or weighing up a range of surgical approaches, we will discuss with you the benefits of each procedure, as well as advise you on expected timelines and options for post-surgery management. We work together with a wide range of cancer specialists, from oncologists to clinicians, to create the best possible outcome so that you can get back to living your life.
Our extensive experience can assist you in making the treatment decision that’s best for you. Transparency is extremely important to us so we also provide informed advice about the range of complications and potential side effects that could occur, as well as detailing a clear plan for your future.