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About skin cancer

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. In the UK, melanoma cancer is the fifth most common cancer with around 15,400 new skin cancer cases in the UK every year. In the last decade, melanoma skin cancer has increased by 50 per cent in the UK. In males there is an increase of 64 per cent and a 39 per cent increase in women, according to Cancer Research UK. 

Why get a second opinion?

There are a number of reason you could be considering a second opinion including:

  • You are not confident that the correct diagnosis has been made
  • There are still have unanswered questions after speaking to your doctor and you don't fully understand the information you've been given
  • You're unsure and unhappy with the treatment recommended to you and have been told you can't have a particular type of treatment
  • You've been told that there is nothing more that more can be done
  • Your condition has returned after treatment
  • You're interested in clinical trials related to your condition

We offer a specialist second opinion service, both face-to-face and remotely for patients from all over the world, covering everything from complex circumstances to deciding on treatment options. 

Skin Cancer Awareness

What are the symptoms and signs of skin cancer?

Are you concerned about your skin health? Did you know that the most common signs of non-melanoma skin cancer often develop on the skin that’s exposed to the sun? 
 
These signs may include:
 - a spot or sore, this could be a new spot looks unusual or hasn’t disappeared
 - ulcer
 - a lump
 - red patches on your skin. 

The most common cause of melanoma cancer is exposure to UV radiation, which is found in natural sunlight, sunbeds or sunlamps.  Often the first sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, colour, or feel of a mole. It can look like a dark spot or an unusual-looking mole on your skin. 

The ABCDE system can help you to remember what to watch out for: 
 Asymmetry - the shape of one half does not match the other
 Border - the edges are blurred or irregular
 Colour - the colour is uneven and may include shades of black, brown and tan
 Diameter - there is a change in size, usually an increase
 Evolving - the mole has changed over the past few weeks or months. 

If you experience any sign or symptoms of melanomas or non-melanoma skin cancers you should make an appointment to see your doctor.  With a referral, you can decide to make an appointment to see one of our expert skin cancer specialists to get checked out.

Carolyn's Story

Carolyn patient story icn-play

Carolyn's skin cancer story

A chance meeting may have saved Carolyn's life

Read more

Skin cancer treatments

Treatment outcomes for skin cancer can be significantly improved if found and diagnosed early.

Our mole mapping service can help to detect early signs of melanoma leading to faster diagnosis and treatment.

Mohs surgery is used as treatment for removal of skin cancers on the face, thin layers are removed and analysed under a microscope until no further cancer cells are present.

Electrochemotherapy, is an innovative treatment to help treat cancers that start in the skin. It is a combination of chemotherapy and a small electrical current given directly into cancer cells. Once inside the cancer cells, the chemotherapy destroys them.

Man holds a woman's hand and looks at her arm

Understanding your results

In most cases, having tests will not lead to a skin cancer diagnosis, but it is important to rule out cancer quickly. If any of your results come back abnormal, we guarantee a rapid referral to one of our leading consultants who will suggest further tests. 

If you are diagnosed with skin cancer, we have access to one of the most comprehensive private cancer networks in the UK. Our cancer specialists are here to provide expert care and support through diagnosis, treatment and beyond. 

If you are concerned about any signs or symptoms of skin cancer and would like to book an appointment with one of our private skin specialists.

Locations

London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street London SE1 2PR

More information

The Harley Street Clinic

35 Weymouth Street London W1G 8BJ

More information

The Lister Hospital

Chelsea Bridge Road London SW1W 8RH

More information

The Christie Private Care

Wilmslow Road Manchester M20 4BX

More information

The Wilmslow Hospital

52-54 Alderley Road Wilmslow SK9 1NY

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The Wellington Hospital

8a Wellington Place London NW8 9LE

More information

How to pay for your care

If you require treatment at one of our facilities you can access our services through your private medical insurance or by choosing to self-fund your care.

More information about ways to pay

Contact us

If you are concerned about a mole, or skin cancer, get in touch with our team today, who can book an appointment with a GP or consultant.

020 3553 9053
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