Skin Cancer

Award winning dermatology service, with over 20 years on experience

Short waiting lists, on some occasions offering same week appointments

Safe environment, in Care Quality Commission approved facilities

Everything you need to know.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK, with over 400 people being diagnosed every day. There are three main types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. The first two are both known as non-melanoma skin cancer and are the most common varieties.

Non-melanoma skin cancer refers to a group of cancers that slowly develop in the upper layers of the skin and are the most common forms. These are identified by a lump or discoloured patch on the skin. Melanoma is less common and can be more serious and aggressive as it can spread to other organs in the body. The most common sign of melanoma skin cancer is changing moles.

Alternative names: BCC, rodent ulcer and non-melanoma skin cancer.

WHAT CAUSES SKIN CANCER?

Skin cancer is most likely to develop on areas of skin which are regularly exposed to sun and unfortunately it can be tricky to spot due to its many forms. Areas of skin cancer may feel itchy and bleed occasionally, look waxy or like a pale non-healing scar. They can feel tender to touch, have a hard, often red or pink scab, or make the skin raise. Changes to existing moles or the development of new moles can also indicate skin cancer. If you have an area of skin or a mole you are worried about, book a consultation with one of our consultant dermatologists today.

HOW CAN SKIN CANCER BE TREATED?

The treatment you are offered will depend on the type of skin cancer you have, the location of the lesion and how developed it is. You will be required to attend a consultation with a consultant dermatologist who will assess your skin and advise on the best course of treatment.

Melanoma skin cancer is often identified through checking and monitoring moles. At Stratum Dermatology clinics we offer single mole checks, full body mole checks or mole mapping depending on the volume of moles you have. During a mole check, an expert will examine the mole using a dermascope to identify if it needs further investigation or removal. Mole mapping is advised for those who have a lot of moles on the body and works by creating a permanent record of your moles using the cutting edge skin-imaging technology, the FotoFinder system. Any new or changing moles can be easily identified which makes mole mapping a highly accurate tool in the development of skin cancer. If moles are checked and deemed to be of concern, we offer safe and effective mole removal treatment in our clinics.

If it is identified that you do have skin cancer and treatment is needed, Stratum Dermatology clinics offer a range of treatment options which will be discussed with you during your consultation. Skin cancer can be removed surgically under local anesthetic with the most common dermatological surgeries to treat skin cancer being MOHS, Excision, and Cutterage and Electrocautery. There are also a number of non-surgical skin cancer treatments on offer at Stratum Dermatology Clinics, these include photodynamic therapy, topical creams and Cyrotheraphy.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Skin cancer is not hereditary in the sense that it is passed down through a gene. However, skin type does run in families so those more likely to develop skin cancer are often in the same family.

Men are more likely than women to develop skin cancer and it is more common in the elderly.

It is recommended to use a high factor of sunscreen no matter your skin type. SPF30 with a 4-star UVA rating during the summer is recommended for those with paler skin to stop burning but also to help prevent wrinkles and sunspots in those who don’t burn as easily.

Research shows sun beds are a significant risk factor in skin cancer.

Protecting your skin is, of course, always the best course of action. The easiest ways you can do this include:
· Wearing a waterproof, high level of SPF protection when in the sun
· Use a daily moisturiser with SPF protection
· Avoid the sun when it is at its strongest during the day
· Wear a hat when in the sun
· Sit in the shade

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WHY TREAT SKIN CANCER AT STRATUM DERMATOLOGY CLINICS?

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK, with over 400 people being diagnosed every day. Early detection of skin cancer, through examination and regular monitoring of moles, saves lives and if caught and treated early enough there is a 100% chance of survival. Our professional team of dedicated cancer specialists can provide you with the reassurance of a correct diagnosis.

We work with leading experts in the field of dermatology to ensure you have the best experience and treatment. Stratum Dermatology Clinics are regulated by the Care Quality Commission, are part of the British Association of Dermatologists and are top rated by patients on Doctify so you can assure safe and effective actinic keratosis treatment with us.

skin cancer INSIGHTS AND ADVICE

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When Should I Worry About A Mole

WHEN SHOULD I WORRY ABOUT A MOLE? A mole is a coloured spot on the skin which is made up of a cluster of cells known as melanocytes which are responsible for producing the pigment in your skin. Sometimes these melanocytes grow in a cluster

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What are the common types of skin cancer?

WHAT ARE THE COMMON TYPES OF SKIN CANCER? There are three main types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma. The first two are both known as non-melanoma skin cancer and are the most common varieties. Non-melanoma skin cancer

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Skin Cancer Awareness Month

SKIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH. Skin cancer awareness month takes place every May with the aim of raising awareness of the dangers of unprotected sun exposure and educating on the ways skin cancer can be prevented. During skin cancer awareness month, the British Association of Dermatologists

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