Skin Cancers

Skin cancers tend to arise following sun exposure and especially in patients who have previously been sunburnt. The following factors can indicate that a mole is cancerous (melanoma):

Asymmetry – asymmetric moles

Irregular Border – a mole with an indistinct edge

Excoriation – bleeding and raw moles

Irregular Colour – a mole with different shades within it

Large diameter – large moles have more chance of being cancerous

Elevation – moles raised off the skin surface may become cancerous

If your mole has changed in any way or shows signs of the above you should seek a medical opinion urgently. 

Other types of skin cancer include BCC (rodent ulcer) or SCC and these are also related to sun exposure. In the vast majority of cases they can be cured following removal. In a small number of cases an SCC may spread around the body. Prompt treatment is important if you think you have any type of skin cancer.

Treatment

Except for some benign lesions which can be treated by laser, the majority of skin lesions will need excision, which will leave a scar. Scars can be red initially and take a year or so to settle and fade. Some people scar more than others and occasionally thick bulky scars (hypertrophic) or painful, itchy (keloid) scars can result.

It is important that anyone you choose to excise a lesion gives you the best scar possible. By choosing an experienced Consultant Plastic Surgeon like Vivek you are maximising your chances of getting a good scar.

Further care

Patients with some types of skin cancer are best seen regularly to watch for any return of the cancer. If this applies to you Vivek will discuss this with you at length.

Reassurance

The vast majority of skin lesions prove to be benign and even the vast majority of skin cancers will not cause any further problems once removed. Only a very small percentage go on to give further problems. However, if you are worried then please make an appointment as soon as possible.