Skin Cancer
Dr Hannah provides a full skin examination service and treats different kinds of benign lesions, precancerous lesions, and skin cancers in the clinic. Dr Naasan is able to offer appointments at short notice and get you treated as soon as possible if you have a suspected skin cancer.
It is important to look out for the following features
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Changes in an existing mole's shape, size, or colour
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Itching or bleeding in a pre-existing or new mole
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A dry rough patch of skin that is not healing
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A new lump on or in the skin
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A growing lump on top of the skin
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A localised change in the skin texture or colour
The main skin cancers to be aware of are
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Sometimes referred to as a rodent ulcer.
These cancers usually begin as small shiny lumps that have a pearl-like rim. Although the appearance of these cancers is variable, people often become aware of them as a scab that bleeds and does not heal completely. Many will just be lumps on the skin that were not there before and have the classic appearance of a raised pearly rim around a central crater. People sometimes notice these cancers when small blood vessels appear to grow over lumps in the skin. Left untreated, the BCC will grow in appearance. These cancers are often painless but can sometimes be itchy and bleed.
BCCs are treatable. Therefore it is important that if you think you might be at risk of BCC or you have a suspicious looking lump on your skin, that you get it looked at by a dermatologist.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
SCC will often appear as a pink or red lump that is scaly or crusty. These are variable in appearance and can be tender to touch sometimes. SCCs are most common in sun exposed areas of skin such as the head, neck, ears and back of hand but can occur on any part of the body. Those with a history of sunburn, extensive sun exposure or immunosuppression are at greater risk of developing this type of cancer.
SCCs need to be removed as soon as possible. If left untreated they may spread to other areas of the body. Therefore the sooner it is treated the more likely it is to be cured.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the name given to a cancerous mole. It is considered to be the most serious type of skin cancer. Often, the first sign of a melanoma developing is the appearance of a new mole or a change in a previous mole’s shape, colour or size. The mole may also become itchy or bleed. It is important that any possible melanoma is picked up quickly as it can spread from the skin to other parts of the body causing cancer elsewhere.
One of the main risk factors for developing melanoma is a family history of melanoma. You are also at increased risk of developing it if you have fair skin that burns easily, freckles, red hair or if you have a large number of moles. Those who have already had a melanoma in the past or have a weakened immune system are also at increased risk.
Keep an Eye on Your Moles with Our Mole Mapping Service
If you suspect any changes to an existing mole or are concerned about a new mole you should get it looked at by a Dermatologist. Our mole mapping service is a convenient way of keeping an eye on your moles as well as having them looked at by an experienced Dermatologist who will be able to tell you if any need further investigation. You can find more information about our mole mapping service here:
Removal of skin lesions is also offered by Dr Hannah, for more details visit the following link: