What types of Skin Cancer are treated by Surgery?
The treatment of choice of virtually all types of skin cancer is Surgical Excision. This applies to basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma – the three most common skin cancers in the UK.
What does Skin Cancer Surgery involve?
Once a diagnosis of skin cancer is made, it needs to be removed with a predetermined safety margin. This is because skin cancers have the tendency to grow finger link projections around them, which cannot be easily seen with the naked eye. Once the tumour is removed, the wound is mended usually using stitches. The skin that has been excised is sent for testing under the microscope.
What are the cure rates for Skin Cancer Surgery?
This depends on the type of skin cancer that is being treated, Dr Martin-Clavijo will be able to discuss this with you during your consultation.
What happens if there is not enough skin to mend a wound after a Skin Cancer has been removed?
We use our expertise in various skin surgery techniques to either move skin from nearby (this is known as a skin flap) or from another site of the body (this is known as a skin graft).
Why choose us?
Dr Martin-Clavijo is a recognized expert in the diagnosis and management of skin cancer. He has led one of the largest and busiest skin cancer units in the country as well as the Pan-Birmingham cancer Network. He specializes in treating, not only common skin cancers (such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma) but also rare skin cancers, such as Merkel cell carcinoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), atypical fibroxanthomas (AFX) or sebaceous carcinomas, to name a few. Dr Martin-Clavijo is also one of the few doctors able to offer Mohs micrographic surgery, the most accurate way to surgically cure many skin cancers.