Posted by Cedars Dermatology, 1st April 2020
Here at Cedars Dermatology, a skin clinic in locations such as Northwood, Harley Street and Elstree, our dermatologists are keen to help with any skincare problems. One skin problem that we’re often asked about is skin cancer. In modern times, we’re much more aware of what skin cancer is, how it presents and what can be done to both help treat skin cancer and minimise your risk of it developing. In this post, we’ll talk through some of these things.
There are lots of different types, but we’ll focus on melanoma, which involves a change to a mole, freckle or ‘normal’ area of the skin. Melanoma is one of the world’s most common cancers – Cancer Research UK acknowledges that about 16,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every year here in the UK, making it the fifth most-common type. As well as this, numbers have increased in the last few decades.
After being identified through skin cancer screening, Mohs, a type of micrographic surgery, can carefully remove it in thin layers. Mohs Surgery on Harley Street works by removing the layers of cancerous tissue, but it’s important to note that Mohs surgery is not appropriate for all skin cancers.
Anyone can get skin cancer, although it’s more common in older people. While UV from the sun or sunbeds is the main cause, your skin, hair and eye colour can also play a part, and if you have a family history of skin cancer, your risk is increased. In addition, those who have a large number of moles are also more at risk than others.
Our skin cancer screening service on Harley Street is ideal for those who are unsure as to whether they have the condition. It allows us to take a closer look at any moles and to determine if any areas need removing.
You can use ABCDE:
Asymmetry – do both halves look the same?
Border – are the edges blurred, irregular or notched?
Colour – is it even?
Diameter – have you noticed a change in shape or size?
Expert – our dermatologists can help identify skin cancer through skin cancer screening
Even if you have been treated for skin cancer, you should have skin cancer screening again if you become concerned about any of your moles.
There’s lots you can to help minimise your risk, including:
To find out more about moles, skin cancer screening and how our dermatologists on Harley Street can help you, get in touch with our skin clinic today.
