Frequently asked questions
Melanoma is a highly aggressive form of skin cancer that can spread rapidly to other parts of the body, making it potentially life-threatening. When detected early, before it has a chance to metastasize (spread), the chances of successful treatment and cure are significantly higher. Also, when detected early often the reconstruction is often possible using simple direct closure without the need for complex flaps and grafts.
Skin Cancers can present in various ways as pigmented and non-pigmented lesions. SCAN your skin for a spot that is:
- .S – Sore. A spot that is tender, itchy, scaly or bleeding and does not heal within 4-6 weeks
- C – Changing. Change in size, colour or texture.
- A – Abnormal. Looks and feels different or stands out as compare to your other moles.
- N – New. lesion that has appeared on your skin and is not disappearing after 3- 4 weeks.
If this is your first consultation you will be asked about your general health, history of sun exposure and family history.
The doctor will then examine your skin. If you have had a past history of melanoma or an aggressive skin cancer then your examination may include examination of your lymph gland areas of your neck, arm pits and groins.
For the skin examination you will be asked to undress behind a curtain, with removal of all clothing except for underwear. A cover or top sheet is available if required. You will be asked if there are any spots or lesions of concern under your underwear.
For skin checks we advise that you do not apply any make up, nail polish and self-tan to allow a clear view to all areas requiring assessment. You will then be examined using a dermatoscope( hand held high quality skin magnifying device with a powerful light source).
Images of all suspect lesions/spots requiring monitoring are taken and stored for immediate and future comparison viewing.
If required a skin cancer biopsy may be performed to obtain a diagnosis.
Mole mapping or Total Body Photography establishes a baseline record of a patients moles and skin lesions. This initial record serves as a reference point for future comparisons, making it easier to detect subtle changes over time.
It is recommended for people with a high risk of melanoma.
Some individuals have a higher risk of developing melanoma due to factors such as a family history of melanoma, a personal history of skin cancer, fair skin, numerous moles, or a history of excessive sun exposure.
Mole mapping helps early detection of melanoma by identifying new moles, changes in existing moles, or detect suspicious features that might indicate melanoma at an early stage when it is more treatable. It can reduce the need for unnecessary biopsies
Frequency of skin cancer checks depend on individual risk factors and there are no specific guidelines or screening programmes. Individuals who are at risk of skin cancers should get an annual skin check. Anyone with a high risk of skin cancer – multiple non-melanoma skin cancers or history of melanoma should get a 6 monthly skin check. Anyone with a high risk of melanoma, strong FH of melanoma, multiple moles should also consider Total Body Photography(TBP).
- Pale or freckled skin, especially if it burns easily and doesn’t tan.
- Red or fair hair and light-coloured eyes (blue or green)
- Unprotected exposure to UV radiation, particularly a pattern of short, intense periods of sun exposure and sunburn, such as on weekends and holidays.
- Actively tanned or used solariums.
- Weakened immune system from a medical condition or using medication that weakens immune system such as long term use of steroids and immunosuppressives.
- Lots of moles, or moles with an irregular shape and uneven colour.
- A previous skin cancer or a family history of skin cancer.
95 % of skin cancers are caused by exposure to UV radiation to sun exposed regions. Skin cancer can develop on any part of the body including the bottom of the feet, fingernails, inside the mouth, eyes, breasts and genitals.
If someone has had a melanoma, they have a 15-25 % increased risk, highest in the first 2 years of diagnosis More frequent skin checks are recommended for early detection of new melanomas, non- melanoma skin ca and potential recurrence For invasive melanomas, we usually recommend 4 monthly checks for 2 years and then 6 monthly for the next 3 years. Yearly thereafter. For in-situ melanomas we recommend 6 monthly skin checks for 2 years and then yearly thereafter. We advise self skin check and lymph nodes every 2 months and to report anything new or changing.