Skin Cancer Removal
* Dr Elangasinghe also specialises in special repair such as flaps and skin grafts, he also xxx for facial skin cancer.
The treatment of removal of facial skin cancer, does not usually involve a stay in hospital. The treatment is normally carried out under a local anaesthetic. The affected area is removed, along with a small part of normal skin which is then sent to be examined under a microscope. The wound is then sewn together or filled, if necessary, with skin close to the defect.
Benefits of removal
The benefits are that if the skin cancer is totally removed, it avoids the chance of spreading to other parts of the body. Also removal would avoid the chance of further destruction of the facial skin.
To book a consultation or for further information, please call us on 07539 578959
Skin Cancer – Melanoma
Melanoma (cutaneous malignant melanoma) is a type of skin cancer which, if not treated, can spread to other organs in the body. The following details provide facts about causes, risk factors and symptoms–how diagnosed and different treatments:
A common sign of melanoma is a change in appearance of an existing mole, or the appearance of a new mole. These moles can appear anywhere on the body, but are most often found on the arms, face, back and legs.
Facts:
- Melanoma is amongst the most common types of cancer in people aged between 15 to 34
- 13,000 plus, people each year are diagnosed with melanoma
Types:
Research reveals that while there are several different types of Melanoma existing, there are 3 main kinds:
1) Superficial spreading melanoma
2) Nodular melanoma
3) Lentigo maligna melanoma
These three types account for up to 90%, with Acral lentiginous melanoma and a few other melanomas making up the other 10%.
Causes & Risk Factors
- Melanoma starts when skin cells called ‘melanocytes’ start to develop abnormally.
Exposure to sun and sunbed use is linked to melanoma and is an important risk factorOther factors can also increase the risk of developing skin cancers, such as having:
- Lots of freckles
- Pale or fair skin that burns easily
- Blond or red hair
Moles
Be extra careful is you already have moles, regarding exposure to the sun. Some people have more moles than others from unusually shaped moles to large moles (called atypical mole syndrome). This doesn’t mean you’ll definitely get melanoma, but it means you should take extra care about sun exposure and also the use of sunbeds.
As a rule, if you notice anything unusual on your skin which doesn’t disappear within a month–get it checked out by your consultant.
For further information visit the Cancer Research website for risks and causes:
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/type/melanoma/about/melanoma-risks-causes
Important
There are many types of melanoma staging systems and it’s important to note that you should get checked out as soon as the signs appear.
Treatment
If diagnosed with Melanoma, it should be removed surgically under a local anaesthetic to confirm the diagnosis. If confirmed the amount of skin removed during the excision, will depend on the pathology findings from the first biopsy. The best chance of curing a melanoma is to remove as early as possible to avoid spreading. Check it out with your specialist at Sheffield Dermatology.
To book a consultation or for further information, please call us on 07539 578959
Skin Cancer Non-Melanoma
Non-melanoma Cancer falls into two kinds:
1). Basal cell carcinoma – BCC
2). Squamous cell carcinoma – SCC
These are names after the skin cell types from which the cancer develops.
A non-melanoma skin cancer can also be a mix of both the above types – see (1) and (2) below for more information on these types, i.e. risk factors, diagnosis and treatment:
- Cancer Research UK. Types of skin cancer.
http://www.cancerresearchorg/about-cancer/type/skin-cancer/abouttypes-of-skin-cancer
- Cancer Research UK. About skin cancer (non-melanoma)
https://www.cancerresearch.org/about-cancer/skin-cancer/risks-causes
Known facts – non-melanoma cancer
In the UK, there are around 102,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosed each year.
Almost all noon-melanoma skin cancers are caused through sun exposure.
*People who are fair skinned or who burn rather than tan, are more likely to be at risk (1).
BCC
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type (1) and this could be referred to as a rodent ulcer and starts as a lump that enlarges. It doesn’t normally hurt unless touched but it can be itchy and bleed if scratched.
BCC usually affects people of middle to old age, on areas such as the forehead, cheeks or lower back and legs, i.e. areas mainly exposed to the sun and there is a risk of this spreading.
https://cdn.bad.org.uk/uploads/2021/11/11141045/Basal-cell-carcinoma-update-10-October-2022.pdf
SCC
Squamous cell skin cancer is less prevalent than BCC and develops from cells called Keratinocytes, found in the epidermis. This type also develops in areas that have been exposed to the sun, i.e.
hands, forearms, neck and head. In certain cases, SCC can develop around the vulva and anus and also develop in scars, ulcerations and areas which have been burnt. SCC may have a crusty appearance, or be hard and lumpy.
It can be faster growing but doesn’t often spread to other organs of the body, although in rare cases it can affect lymph nodes or other organs as a secondary cancer.
There are many other facts which may have a bearing on your condition and subsequent treatment, so we recommend that you speak with your Consultant Dermatologist for consultation and he will advise the best course of action.
To book a consultation or for further information, please call us on 07539 578959
