Skin Cancer Diagnosis

The diagnosis of skin cancer requires years of training and clinical experience. There are many different types of skin cancer and early detection may mean simple non surgical treatments can be used to treat the cancer. Generally, the more advanced a skin cancer the higher the probability of needing surgical excision.

A skin biopsy is frequently performed to assess the type and depth of a skin cancer as this can determine the modality of treatment that is most suitable for your cancer.

A skin biopsy is a very simple, quick and straight forward office procedure. A small instrument is used to take a core specimen (usually 3-4mm in size) of the lesion after a tiny amount of local anaesthetic is injected into the skin. One or two stitches may be required. Results take approximately one week to obtain. These results are then discussed with your dermatologist who will explain the best method of treatment of your skin cancer with you.

Types of treatment

Non surgical

• Creams eg Imiquimoid (Aldara) and 5 Fluorouracil (Efudix): suitable for some superficial skin cancers
• Photodynamic Therapy

Surgical

• Simple excision
• Flap repair: skin flaps are required for skin cancers that are either too large for simple excisions or that are in sites where simple closure is not possible. Skin needs to be “borrowed” from regional areas to close the wound.