Some of us have hardly any moles whilst others have many. Moles that look abnormal may be harbouring skin cancer therefore it is important to have them checked regularly. Sudden changes in the size or shape of a mole should be reported to your Consultant immediately.
Broadly speaking, there are two types of skin cancers - melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Melanoma are skin cancers that arise from moles. They are least common but the most serious type of skin cancer. They affect young adults more frequently than other cancers and are the second most common cancer in those aged 15 to 34 years of age.
Individuals at high risk of skin cancer have:
Fortunately, the chance of cure is high if melanoma is diagnosed early. Early diagnosis can only occur if individuals who have moles that could be melanoma see their doctor to get their mole checked. The features you should look out for in your moles to help identify possible melanoma are...
Non-melanoma skin cancers are usually not brown or black like moles and melanoma. They are usually pink or red spots or lumps that grow. They may also bleed and scab and they never heal. Eventually they may cause pain and discomfort.
Please don't hesitate to arrange an appointment with one of our consultant dermatologists if you have any troublesome or worrying moles, lumps or blemishes, or if you would like a comprehensive 'top-to-toe' mole check and screen for skin cancer.
At The Westbourne Centre, we'll check all of your moles and document any you should be keeping a watchful eye on. Using microscopes, our consultant dermatologists are able to determine if a worrisome mole is in need of histology to verify its melanomin state.
Please note that patients who are at a high risk of skin cancer should have their skin checked annually.
When a dermatological condition presents itself the safest method of treatment may involve the removal of skin for diagnosis and analysis, to remove an affected area and encourage healing or grafting of skin to facilitate natural dermal repair.
Mohs micrographic surgery is a precise surgical technique used to treat skin cancer. Mohs surgery is done in stages while the patient waits.
Mole mapping is a screening check of your moles to detect and treat skin cancer early. Mole mapping is a comprehensive mole check to screen for skin cancer at regular intervals.
Patient Mr L. Gaskin incredibly impressed with care and treatment he received at Woodthorpe Hospital following a double hernia repair performed by Mr Ian Beckingham, General Surgeon.
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The Surgicube equipment provides an ultra-clean airflow across the operating surface and represents the first investment of this kind in Ramsay UK hospitals.