Skin cancer treatments in Cardiff, Newport, Caerphilly and South Wales.

Skin cancers — including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma — often start as changes to your skin. They can be new growths or precancerous lesions — changes that are not cancer but could become cancer over time. An estimated 40% to 50% of fair-skinned people who live to be 65 will develop at least one skin cancer.

Skin cancer can be cured if it’s found and treated early.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (‘BCC’) is the most common form of skin cancer and accounts for more than 90% of all skin cancer. Basal Cell Carcinomas are a type of skin cancer that generally take a form of either a single bump or a series of small flat bumps.  Basal  Cell carcinomas (‘BCCs’) do not spread to other parts of the body; nevertheless early treatment of BCCs is important to achieve cure and a good cosmetic result.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (or ‘SCC’) is one of the three main types of skin cancer. It is much less common than basal cell carcinomas (‘BCCs’), but more common than malignant melanoma. SCCs typically occur on sun-exposed skin such as the face, the bald scalp or ears. Other sited commonly affected include the backs of the hands and the lower legs (in females). SCCs are typically not pigmented. The typical appearance of an SCC is a small raised lesion measuring 2-3 cm in diameter with a central crust or scab. Early treatment is important as SCC can spread if neglected. Treatment is usually by surgical excision.

How to lower the risk of skin cancer.

Avoiding sun exposure lowers the risk for all types of skin cancer. Regular checking of your skin both by self-examination and regular examination by a doctor, is an excellent course of action for people at high risk. Anyone who has experienced any type of skin cancer should have regular medical checkups by a dermatologist.

If you are concerned in anyway about changes to your skin please contact us imemdiately on 02920 795775.