Skin Cancer Doctors

Assessment with dermoscopy

Dermoscopy or dermatoscopy refers to the examination of the skin using skin surface microscopy, and is also called 'epiluminoscopy' and 'epiluminescent microscopy'. Dermoscopy is mainly used to evaluate pigmented skin lesions. Dermoscopy requires a high quality magnifying lens and a powerful lighting system (a dermatoscope). This allows examination of skin structures and patterns. There are several different lightweight, battery-powered hand-held devices. Computer software can be used to archive dermoscopy images and allow expert diagnosis and reporting. Smart programs may aid in diagnosis by comparing the new image with stored cases with typical features of benign and malignant pigmented skin lesions. Using dermoscopy, the pigmentation of the lesion is evaluated in terms of colour(s) and structure. All our doctors are well trained in dermoscopy. Dermoscopy is a very important and powerful tool in detecting cancers, as no mole is left unchecked

Diagnosis through biopsies

During a biopsy, a doctor removes a small amount of tissue to examine under a microscope. Other tests can suggest that cancer is present, but only a biopsy can make a diagnosis.Skin biopsy procedures include:

Excisional biopsy:

During an excisional biopsy, the doctor removes an entire lump or an entire area of abnormal skin. You'll get stitches to close the biopsy site.Local anesthetic is given to numb the biopsy site before the procedure.

Shave biopsy:

During a shave biopsy, the doctor uses a tool similar to a razor to scrape the surface of your skin.

A 'punch' biopsy:

This is useful to diagnose a range of skin conditions. A special instrument punches a small hole through the top layers of the skin to remove a sample of skin.We have highly expert doctors to perform biopsy.

Skin cancer treatments

The treatment you receive will depend on multiple factors:

1. Type of cancer

2. Size

3. Location of body part

Surgery is the most common treatment for skin cancer. Other forms of treatment include laser therapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, biological therapy, topical treatments, and photodynamic therapy.

Some surgical treatment options:

Excision: Small skin cancers can be removed by cutting them out. If the tumour is large, more of the nearby skin is removed. As a result, you may need a skin graft or skin flap to cover the area.

Moh's technique: This is specialised surgery where tissue is removed piece by piece and looked at under the microscope until no traces of cancer cells are left. A skin graft is usually needed afterwards. Skin grafting maybe required after some surgery to help healing after the removal.

Some non-surgical treatment options:

Cryotherapy:

If the cancer is quite small, the cells can be frozen and killed by spraying liquid nitrogen onto them.

Curettage and electrocautery:

If you have a cancer that is not very deep, curettage and electrocautery may be used instead of excision. This means scraping away the cancer and using heat or electricity to stop any bleeding. Nowadays, it is not commonly done.

Laser therapy

Laser therapy may be used to treat superficial skin cancers and precancerous growths on the lips. It involves putting a precise, intense beam of light on the growth, which is then destroyed.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy uses high-energy X-rays to shrink or destroy the cancer cells. It can be used in areas where surgery might be difficult or cause scarring. This could be the nose, ears, lips or eyelids.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a treatment using drugs that cure or control cancer. It is not commonly used for skin cancers. For superficial skin cancers a cream is put onto the skin directly. Very occasionally it is used when it has spread to other parts of the body. Our expert doctors provide diagnosis and treatment to your skin health and try to detect as early as possible.