The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
Diagnosing skin cancer
We recognise that waiting for tests, scans or other diagnostic tests, and their results, is a worrying time. At HCA Healthcare UK you will have rapid access to the latest and most advanced diagnostic technologies and techniques, to provide you with an accurate diagnosis without delay.
If you are diagnosed with cancer, you will have immediate access to a world-leading team of cancer experts, who will recommend a personalised treatment and care plan based on your individual needs.
How is skin cancer diagnosed?
If you have noticed any suspicious changes to your skin, such as a sore that won’t heal, or a change in the shape and size of an existing mole, it’s important to diagnose what is causing these changes as soon as possible. These symptoms can be caused by other health and skin conditions or environmental factors and do not necessarily mean you have cancer.
You may choose to visit your GP in the first instance. At your appointment they will examine the abnormal mole or abnormal area on your skin.
They may then refer you to a specialist for further investigation and to determine a diagnosis. The specialist will perform a physical examination and take a biopsy. A biopsy is a small surgical procedure in which a small part or, in some cases, all of the affected area is removed so it can be looked at under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer.
Access our specialists
At HCA Healthcare UK we offer rapid access to expert dermatologists who will be able to discuss your symptoms, physically examine your skin and perform the biopsy at the same appointment. We know that this can be a very worrying time, so we’ll make sure you get the results of your biopsy as quickly as possible.
If your biopsy confirms a skin cancer diagnosis you will have immediate access to our multidisciplinary team (MDT) of skin cancer specialists which includes consultants, cancer nurses and other cancer healthcare experts. Led by your named consultant, the team come together to discuss your individual diagnosis, consider all the different options and make a recommendation on the best treatment plan for you, without delay.
Your consultant will discuss this treatment plan with you and along with your Clinical Nurse Specialist they can answer any questions you may have so that you can make an informed decision about your treatment and care.
Our patients share their experience of skin cancer
Carol and Pinja were both diagnosed with early-stage malignant melanoma. They each share their stories about how they were diagnosed, the treatment they received and their advice for others
"Three years ago I was treated for breast cancer at The Princess Grace Hospital. I have been having regular follow-up appointments, and a few months ago during one of these check-ups, a concerning freckle was spotted on my breast. I was advised that I should see a dermatologist to get the freckle checked and any other moles too. I had been meaning to get my moles checked for a while as a friend had mentioned that a mole on my head looked a little different than before. During my consultation with Dr Mokbel, she carried out a mole mapping procedure, where digital images were taken of every mole on my body and analysed to check for atypical moles."
Carol
If you have noticed something has changed with your skin, or are concerned something is wrong with your skin, make an appointment with your GP right away. They will be able to refer you to a dermatologist for further investigation if required.
Alternatively, you can arrange to see one of our expert dermatologists at a location convenient to you.
Paul and Christine's story
When husband and wife, Paul and Christine, were diagnosed with skin cancer just months apart it came as a complete shock. Now, having both had treatment from Mr David Mowatt at The Christie Private Care, part of HCA Healthcare UK, Paul and Christine share their story and the importance on acting quickly if you notice something new or unusual.
“If you’re worried about something on your skin don’t rely on the internet to diagnose you. If you’ve got a lesion or a spot that’s suddenly appeared, or it’s changing, you must see a doctor”. – Christine
“Times have changed and that’s positive, but there needs to be even more awareness of the damage that we’re doing to ourselves. Wear hats, cover up, use sunscreen. There are so many ways you can prevent the damage happening in the first place
Understanding skin cancer risk factors
Skin cancers are some of the most common cancers in the world. Each year in the UK over 171,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer. The majority of skin cancers are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, either from the sun, sunbeds or tanning lamps, but there are other important factors to be aware of which can increase your risk of developing skin cancer, including your age, your skin type and other medical conditions.
Unfortunately, some of these risk factors like your age and genetics can’t be changed, whereas lifestyle risk factors like excessive UV exposure can be changed. Understanding skin cancer risk factors can help you be more aware and proactively manage them. Dr Stephanie Ogden, Consultant Dermatologist at The Wilmslow Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK, explains more about skin cancer risk factors and ways you can reduce your personal risk.
Skin cancer specialists
Find a dermatologist
A consultant dermatologist is a doctor who specialises in multiple skin conditions including skin cancer.
If you are concerned about changes to your skin or would like to seek specialist advice on how to manage your risk of developing skin cancer, such as mole mapping services, you can contact a Consultant Dermatologist at HCA Healthcare UK to book an appointment.
Our locations in London
Private Care at Guy's
Great Maze Pond SE1 9RT London
The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
HCA Healthcare UK at University College Hospital
Grafton Way Building 1 Grafton Way WC1E 6AG London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
Leaders in Oncology Care
95-97 Harley Street W1G 6AF London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
Sarah Cannon Research Institute
93 Harley Street W1G 6AD London
Our locations in Birmingham
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2FQ Birmingham
Our locations in Manchester
The Christie Private Care
Wilmslow Road M20 4BX Manchester