What is skin cancer?

Almost all skin cancers are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). All skin types can be damaged by UVR.

There are 2 main groups of skin cancer:

  • Non-melanoma skin cancer
  • Malignant melanoma.

Non-melanoma skin cancer is the UK's most common cancer. It is vital to monitor and look out for any pre-cancerous lesions.

  • Once you have been reviewed by your GP regarding your skin complaint, your GP will complete a proforma. This will give us all the relevant information and will include photographs.
  • When we receive your referral, we will allocate a date for it to be discussed in our virtual meeting. This meeting is held with our consultants and clinical nurse specialists.
  • You will receive a letter advising you that you will be contacted during a specific timeframe. This is to discuss your referral with you. We will also agree on a treatment plan if required. You will speak to either a consultant plastic surgeon or a clinical nurse specialist.
  • Once we have agreed on a treatment plan for you, you will receive a letter. This letter will detail your conversation with our clinical team and the proposed treatment plan.

  • Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) – The most common type of non-melanoma skin cancer. BCC can appear in all sorts of shapes and sizes. They are slow-growing and develop in the top layer of the skin (epidermis). They very rarely spread elsewhere.
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) – Typically slow growing. It remains on the outer layer of the skin. They have the potential to spread to other organs of the body (metastasis) if left untreated.
  • Melanoma – Most commonly appears as a new spot or a mole that has changed in size, colour or shape. They can appear anywhere on the body. If left untreated, they can spread around the body.

    • Detecting Melanomas (ABCDE)

      • ​​​Asymmetry – do the sides of the mole match or are they different?

      • Border – are the edges of the mole irregular, ragged, notched or blurred?

      • Colour – is the colouring of the mole uneven? does it include shades of brown/black and patches of pink?

      • Diameter – is the mole larger than 0.5cm across?

      • Evolving – is the mole changing in size, shape, or colour?

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  • Merkel Cell Carcinoma – This is a rare form of skin cancer. It starts in the Merkel cells (top layer of the skin, epidermis).

Skin cancer clinical nurse specialists (CNS) specialise in skin cancer. They are a patient’s direct point of contact throughout their care. Skin cancer CNSs work with a multidisciplinary team. This includes healthcare professionals, internally and externally, to provide information about diagnoses, treatment options, and specialist support. They share knowledge and information with patients and their families throughout their cancer treatment and follow-up care. They provide a range of services and support that benefit patients including:

  • Nurse-led clinics/follow-up clinics
  • Education and self-management
  • Holistic needs assessments/individualised care plans
  • Referrals to other specialist teams
  • Telephone advice and support
  • Wound care
  • Personalised information regarding treatment options
  • Health promotion

There are three main hazards of sun exposure:

  • Sunburn
  • Ageing
  • Skin cancer

Solar UV Index.png

There are 5 categories of Solar UV forecasts. The higher the number, the stronger the UVR. Anything above a 3 requires that sun safety measures are taken.

Examples of sun safety include:

  • High factor suncream
  • Hats 
  • UV protective clothing
  • Sunglasses
  • Shade from peak sun times.

 

  • Mr Hussain – Plastics and Reconstruction surgeon

  • Mr Bhatti – Plastics and Reconstruction surgeon

  • Mr Khan – Plastic and Reconstruction surgery

  • Mr McLean – Plastic and Reconstruction surgery   

  • Mrs Serra – Plastic, Reconstruction and Oncoplastic surgeon

  • Mr Nicoli – Plastic, Reconstruction and Oncoplastic surgeon

  • Nicola Dunn - specialist skin cancer clinical practitioner

  • Nichola Bray - plastics and skin cancer clinical nurse specialist

  • Beverly Forster - skin cancer co-ordinator

If you require additional support, there are several services that can help answer any questions you might have.

  • Skin cancer specialist nurses - 0191 293 4347 (Monday - Friday, 8.00am - 4.00pm)
  • Surgical helpline - 0344 811 8111