Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

Non-melanoma skin cancers tend to be located on areas of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun. BCCs can appear as nodules, pigmented patches or growths with raised, rolled edges. SCCs may be flat or raised, crusty or scaly and tend not to heal. Both types may be associated with itchiness, bleeding and/or pain.

If you notice something new or unusual on your skin schedule an appointment with Dr. Collins for a comprehensive skin check.

BCCs are slowly growing in nature and surgery is generally curative. If left untreated however, they have the potential to invade the local tissues, resulting in significant destruction. SCCs are classified as either low risk or high risk. High risk lesions can spread (metastasise) to other parts of your body. Early diagnosis is key, as it reduces both the complexity of the surgery required to treat it and the risk of the cancer spreading to other parts of your body.

Removing a lesion in its entirety is known as a wide local excision. The goal of surgery is to fully excise the lesion, whilst ensuring that scarring is kept to a minimum. Small lesions can usually be removed under local anaesthetic. Larger, more complex lesions may necessitate a general anaesthetic.

Protect your skin in the sun. Attend your follow-up appointments with Dr Collins and have your skin checked regularly. This will ensure that any new skin cancers that develop are diagnosed and treated early and efficiently.