Skin cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancer types here in the UK, with the 100,000 new cases reported annually making it the 5th most common cancer. With recent reports that melanoma skin cancer cases in particular are at an all-time high, knowing more about your options post-diagnosis is important.
At SKINSCAR Clinic, we provide several treatments for skin cancer. In this blog post, we share more details about the treatments available from our skin cancer specialists.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) accounts for 75% of all skin cancer cases in the UK. This non-melanoma skin cancer is easy to treat in most cases and rarely spreads. As a result, it is not considered serious. It can however still cause damage if it is not treated early.
For people with BCC, surgical removal of the affected tissue provides the best results. The method of removal depends on the size and location of the BCC. We offer two types of surgical removal, namely surgical excision with pre-determined margins and Mohs surgery. Skin grafts and reconstruction may also be required as part of your BCC treatment.
With a higher risk of spreading to other parts of the body and deeper tissues, Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is considered more serious. SCC is diagnosed using an incisional or excision biopsy, which is typically completed under local anaesthetic.
Following diagnosis, treatment is generally delivered in the form of surgery, with the removal of the SCC and a margin of normal skin surrounding it, again under local anaesthetic. The incision is then closed with stitches, with some patients requiring additional skin grafts.
Melanoma is the most serious skin cancer, with its severity rated across four stages. With this, early detection and treatment is essential to stopping the spread and achieving a cancer-free result. Surgical removal is the first step, with additional surgery often required upon further analysis of the affected tissue. A margin of normal skin surrounding the melanoma is also removed as a precaution.
Early detection is integral to successful treatment, whether you are concerned about Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) or melanoma. That’s why, alongside our skin cancer treatments, we also provide a skin check service, which can be used periodically to prevent and detect skin cancer and other issues.
Find out more about our skin cancer screening and skin cancer treatments by contacting our team today.