Skin
Cancer
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Skin
Cancer |
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Skin cancer is the third commonest cause of cancer in the younger age group 15-39 years and is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK. Across all ages it is increasing year by year, the vast majority being caused by exposure to sunlight. There are 3 types:- (malignant) melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) also known as rodent ulcer. Of these three, melanoma is the most important and the rarest of the three. Sunburn in childhood is thought to increase the risks significantly of melanoma as an adult. It is important that the diagnosis is made as early as possible with melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma whereas the rodent ulcer may be present for many months to a few years before it is diagnosed. If the melanoma or SCC is removed early, then there is a very good chance that the treatment is curative, ie, where there is virtually no risk of a recurrence of the tumour requiring further surgery. Late diagnosis increases the risks of spread of the tumour necessitating further treatment.
For peace of mind, if you have a skin lesion you are worried about why not seek a specialist opinion? The chances are that the lesion will turn out to be innocent (benign). You will be seen by a specialist who will decide whether the lesions should safely be left alone or removed (excised). If there is a need for removal you will be seen promptly by one of the surgeons who will excise the lesion under a local anaesthetic or, if appropriate, under a general anaesthetic. This service will automatically include an analysis (histology) of the lesion so that there is microscopic confirmation of the diagnosis.
We will offer you a financial package clearly defined to cover the initial consultation and, if appropriate, the surgical excision. It will be explained clearly to you if additional tests need to be done. We aim to provide a competitively priced "package" so that you will know at the very beginning what it is going to cost you.