What is skin cancer

Treating skin cancer

We are a team of highly qualified, experienced Consultant Dermatologists with access to the latest diagnostic technology. If you are worried about skin cancer or a mole that has recently appeared or changed shape or colour, you can book a consultation directly with one of our skin experts and receive a quick, accurate diagnosis.

What to expect at your Skin Cancer consultation

• After an initial discussion and examination of the affected area, your specialist will typically recommend that the area be removed surgically so that it can be investigated for cancerous cells.
• If the biopsy shows that skin cancer is present, your specialist will advise you on the most appropriate options for your diagnosis. Options are available that are proven to be effective at treating the condition.
• Surgery is usually the primary treatment for skin cancer. If the condition is identified early enough then surgery will remove the cancer cells from the skin quickly and safely. In some cases, diagnosis and treatment occur simultaneously, with all the cancer cells removed as part of the diagnosis process.

Recommended skin cancer treatments

The treatment you receive will depend on the nature of your condition, and our team of skin cancer experts will advise you on the most appropriate treatment options for your individual diagnosis. However, skin surgery is likely to be the initial recommendation.

The skin surgery process

The extent of skin surgery and the time that it takes depends on the area of skin being treated and the technique used. Removal of a cancerous mole using traditional skin surgery can take less than 30 minutes, but Mohs microsurgery can take much longer.

Simple, straightforward skin surgery can usually be done as a day case at The Devonshire Clinic, with a local anaesthetic and a mild sedative if necessary. Larger procedures will require admission to hospital and an inpatient stay.

Which skin surgery is right for me?

The choice of surgical technique will depend on several factors relating to your condition:

• The size and location of the lesion
• Whether the lesion is superficial or infiltrating
• Whether the lesion is benign or malignant
• Whether the surgery is part of your diagnosis or your treatment
• The risk of scarring

Your dermatologist will explain the type of skin surgery that you need and exactly what is involved. We will give you our expert advice and recommendations, but the final choice is always up to you. It is particularly important for skin surgery that you have thought through the potential risks before you decide to go ahead.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery involves the removal of cancerous tissue from the tumour, then the immediate examination of the tissue during the procedure. This is repeated until the surgeon is confident that there are no cancer cells remaining.

Photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves the application of photosensitive cream to the affected area, then stimulating it with light to create a chemical reaction. This can kill both cancerous and non-cancerous cells.

Chemotherapy creams / gels

These topical creams or gels are applied directly to the affected skin and are used to treat precancerous lesions; for example, actinic keratosis or Bowen’s disease.