Skin cancer
There are three main types of skin cancer, two of which - basal
cell and squamous cell - are generally slow-growing and respond
well to treatment. The third type - malignant melanoma - is more of
a concern and should be treated as soon as possible after
detection. Some people - especially those who are very fair-skinned
- should consider regular screening for melanoma.
The first symptom of melanoma you are likely to notice is a
change to a mole on your body. It may become bigger than usual, or
become a different colour, or itch or bleed.
If your doctor suspects your mole may be cancerous it will
probably be removed under local anaesthetic and examined under a
microscope. This may be all that is required for very early cancers
but in other cases the doctors may want to undertake further
treatment, including removing a wider area to ensure all the cancer
cells have been removed, or tests to check whether the cancer has
spread.
If your cancer has not spread and is not too deep then cutting
out the mole, regular screening for any changes and keeping out of
the sun may be all that is needed.
More advanced cancers, for example ones which have spread to
other parts of the body and cancer which come back may need more
treatment, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Contact us
Ramsay hospitals offers a range of screening and diagnostic
procedures at a time convenient to you, and also offers treatment
for some of the most common types of cancer. We offer the support
of multi-disciplinary teams who will be working together to ensure
you get the care which is right for you.
If you would like to discuss possible tests or treatment
contact
us.