Recognise the Warning Signs
Skin cancer doesn’t always look alarming at first. That’s why recognising the subtle but significant changes in your skin is key to early diagnosis and effective treatment. The three most common types of skin cancer – basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma – each have distinct visual clues.
BCCs are the most common type of skin cancer and tend to grow slowly. They typically appear as flesh-toned lesions (though some may contain pigment or darker areas and can ulcerate over time). While they often bleed with minimal trauma, they can also itch or feel irritated even without visible damage. Although BCCs rarely spread, they can be dangerous if left untreated.
SCCs often develop on sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, and hands. They usually present as scaly or crusted lumps that grow over weeks or months. Interestingly, in people with darker skin, SCCs are more likely to appear in areas not typically exposed to the sun.
Melanomas are more aggressive skin cancers and can develop anywhere on the body – even in areas not exposed to the sun. In fair-skinned individuals, they tend to appear on the back, arms, legs, or face. In darker-skinned individuals, they may arise on the palms, soles, or under the nails.
The majority of melanomas arise “de novo”, meaning without a visible mole beforehand. It is important to watch out for any mole or spot that looks noticeably different from the others. Melanomas can start as flat patches and progress to raised, irregular growths. Superficial spreading melanoma is the most common subtype and is often treatable when detected early. Other forms, like nodular or amelanotic melanoma grow more aggressively and may lack pigment, making them harder to detect without expert assessment.
Why Early Detection Is Vital
When caught and treated early, most skin cancers can have a high cure rate, therefore, regular skin checks with a specialist dermatologist are essential for those at high risk. Additionally, when skin cancers are identified at their earliest stage, skin cancer treatment can be less invasive. Skintel’s skilled surgeons utilise gold‑standard dermoscopy and full-body skin checks to detect early signs of skin cancer, allowing higher chances of first-line treatments like cryotherapy, Efudix, or Aldara instead of surgery for certain early or superficial lesions.
Skintel’s Approach to Detection
The team at Skintel is highly experienced at identifying early pre‑cancerous lesions before they evolve into cancers. Through comprehensive dermoscopy and full-body skin checks by specialist dermatologists, early signs of sun damage or superficial lesions are detected. The Skintel team then acts proactively by using minimally invasive field treatments – including topical therapies like Efudix cream, curettage and cautery or cryotherapy – to intercept the disease early. This often avoids the need for more invasive treatments such as surgical excision.
Skintel also emphasises precision in surgical care: when lesions do require excision, the dermatologists are so precise that they often achieve an incomplete excision rate below 0.1% – far lower the industry standard. This results in higher cure rates, lower recurrences and less surgery for you.
Skin Cancer Treatment Options You Should Know
- Mohs surgery remains the gold-standard skin cancer treatment, especially on sensitive areas such as the face, head, and neck. Because of its superior precision, Mohs surgery:
- lowers the likelihood of future complications – it reduces the risk of skin cancer returning at the same site
- confirms that the cancer has been removed on the same day, avoiding the need to return for surgery at a later date
- Minimises the amount of healthy tissue removal allowing for a better cosmetic result
- Traditional surgical excision can be an effective skin cancer treatment option, but it depends on the lesion’s size and location. A wide local excision removes the skin cancer with a wide safety margin. Skintel consistently achieves exceptionally low incomplete excision rates (around 0.1%) which is far lower than the industry standard of 5-20%. This means less repeated surgery for you, a higher long-term cure and a lower risk of the skin cancer returning in the future.
- Topical and non‑invasive treatments can be used for early, precancerous lesions or sun-damaged skin. For instance, Efudix cream is a prescription topical therapy that targets early lesions, especially actinic keratoses or SCCs in situ, and can reduce future skin cancer formation while improving the appearance of sun-damaged skin. At Skintel, we assess each patient’s skin condition to determine whether topical treatments are suitable or if a procedural approach is recommended for optimal results.
Why Choose Skintel for Skin Cancer Treatment
Choosing the right clinic for skin cancer treatment is a crucial step in ensuring early detection, effective intervention and long-term skin health. At Skintel, our specialist team combines advanced diagnostic expertise with gold-standard treatments like Mohs surgery, surgical excision, and non-invasive therapies to deliver precise, patient-focused care. We pride ourselves on our exceptionally low incomplete excision rates and commitment to continuous improvement through research and clinical audits. Whether managing early sun-damage lesions or addressing more advanced skin cancers, Skintel’s comprehensive and personalised approach ensures our patients receive the most effective skin cancer treatment available.
If you have noticed a concerning spot or are due for a skin check, contact Skintel HERE to schedule a comprehensive skin cancer assessment with our specialist team.