Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is increasingly common in the United Kingdom and is the result usually of sun exposure in fair skinned individuals.

Three types of skin cancer are commonly encountered:

Basal cell carcinomas, or rodent ulcers, are very common and occur usually on the face. They are treated by excision. Once removed they are cured and these tumours do not spread to other parts of the body.

Squamous cell carcinomas usually present as ulcers or nodules on the skin. Again the treatment is surgical and follow up is usually required because it is possible for them to spread.

The most worrying type of skin cancer is melanoma. These present as pigmented lesions usually and can spread widely. Treatment is again by excision. Auxiliary treatment may be required. In an aesthetically sensitive area such as the face obtaining the best aesthetic result from any form of treatment is clearly a priority.