What is skin cancer?

Skin cancers are growths on the skin that usually develop on sun-exposed areas such as the face, arms and back. If they are left untreated, skin cancers can enlarge, ulcerate and spread. Fortunately, most skin cancers are curable if they are identified early and treated appropriately.

Why choose Dr Martin-Clavijo for skin cancer screening and treatment?

Dr Martin-Clavijo is an expert at diagnosing and managing skin cancers.  He has chaired for many years the Specialist Skin Cancer Multidisciplinary Team for Skin Cancer at the University Hospital Birmingham, where they deal with referrals for complicated, rare or advanced skin cancers from Birmingham, Solihull, the Midlands and beyond.

Dr Martin-Clavijo offers the full range of services , from skin and mole checks and mole dermoscopy to detect skin cancers early, through to comprehensive management of skin cancers including surgery, the highly specialised Mohs micrographic surgery and topical treatments.

What types of skin cancer are there?

There are three common types of skin cancer – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Who is at risk of skin cancer?

Skin cancer can occur in anyone, but they are more likely to affect those who have one or more of the following characteristics :

  • Fair skin
  • Blue or green eyes
  • Red or blond hair
  • Previous sun burns
  • Tendency to sun burn
  • Excessive sun exposure and sun bed use
  • Family history of skin cancer
  • Individuals taking immune suppressive medications

What causes skin cancer?

90% of skin cancer is caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolent light (UV). This can occur while sun bathing on holidays but it is important to remember that day to day outdoor activities at home such as walking and gardening also lead to UV exposure. Excessive exposure to UV light also cause premature ageing of the skin. This presents as sun spots, lines and wrinkles, and telangiectasias (broken veins).

What do skin cancers look like?

Skin cancers can have many different appearances. Melanomas are irregular looking brown moles, while squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas present as red lumps or ulcers.

What can I do to minimise my risk of skin cancer?

If you are at high risk of skin cancer, then it is sensible to protect yourself against the sun. Simply put – Don’t Tan, Don’t Burn. This does not mean you can not enjoy outdoor activities. In fact, you should be able to continue to do most things. The precautions you should take are:

  • Cover up! Protect the skin with clothing, including a hat, T-shirt and UV protective sunglasses.
  • Avoid strong sunlight. Spend time in the shade when it’s sunny particularly between 11 am and 3 pm.
  • Use a ’high protection’ sunscreen of at least SPF30 which also has high UVA protection and make sure you apply it generously and frequently when in the sun, preferably every 2-3 hours.
  • Sunscreens should not be used as an alternative to clothing or shade – rather they offer additional protection. No sunscreen will provide 100% protection.
  • Keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight
  • Don’t use sun beds
  • Check your skin for changes once a month. A friend or family member can help you with this particularly with checking your back. If anything on your skin is changing, or if you are suspicious or worried about anything, go to your doctor and have it looked at.

More information about sun protection can be found at the Cancer Research UK Sun Smart website.

What should I do if I want to be checked for skin cancer?

If you feel you are at risk of skin cancer or have a lesion that you are worried about, then please arrange to see Dr Martin-Clavijo for a skin check – a comprehensive head to toe examination by an expert. Skin cancers can be diagnosed by their appearance by a specialist. If there is any doubt, a biopsy may be obtained.

How are skin cancers treated?

The following treatments are provided by Dr Martin-Clavijo:

  • Excision – surgically removing skin cancers and a safety margin of normal skin
  • Curettage – scraping superficial growths
  • Mohs micrographic surgery – a specialised technique for excising facial skin cancers, and skin cancers that are complex, difficult to see clearly or agressive
  • Topical therapies – anti-cancer creams such as Efudix cream and Imiquimod can be used under specialist guidance
  • Photodynamic therapy – this involves using light activated chemicals to selectively destroy cancer cells
  • Screening for other skin cancers and pre-cancerous growths