Ask the Surgeon: What am I looking out for when it comes to Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is common, often curable, and best addressed when identified at an early stage. Patients routinely ask which changes merit attention. A clear understanding supports timely assessment and protects long-term dermatological health.

The importance of early recognition

Early lesions are typically managed with precise, limited excision and excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes.
Advanced lesions require more extensive surgery and carry greater risk.
Awareness allows intervention while disease burden remains low.

The principal types of skin cancer

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
A slow-growing tumour that may present as a translucent nodule, a pearly plaque, or a persistently non-healing area.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Often firmer, sometimes tender, and prone to crusting or surface disruption. It can evolve more quickly than BCC.

Melanoma
Less common, biologically more aggressive. Arises from melanocytes and carries the potential for metastasis when not identified promptly.

Any evolving or persistent lesion warrants expert review, irrespective of type.

Features that require closer scrutiny

New lesions
A newly emerged mark or growth that persists beyond several weeks should be examined.

Alterations in existing moles
The ABCDE criteria remain reliable indicators:
Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variegation, Diameter exceeding roughly 6mm, Evolution over time.

Non-healing or recurrently disrupted areas
Ulceration, erosion, or breakdown that does not resolve is significant.

Unprovoked bleeding or crusting
Lesions that bleed with minimal contact, display persistent crusting, or develop an irregular surface should be assessed.

Textural change
Areas that become indurated, scaly, or unusually sensitive often reflect underlying cellular alteration.

Individuals at greater risk

Patients with a history of skin cancer, substantial cumulative sun exposure, a high mole count, fair phototypes, or a family history of melanoma benefit from regular surveillance.
Early changes can be subtle; structured review ensures they are not overlooked.

When specialist evaluation is appropriate

Any lesion that changes, fails to resolve, or raises concern merits assessment by a clinician experienced in oncological dermatology.
Many findings are benign, but distinction requires trained examination and, where necessary, biopsy.

Protective measures

Daily photoprotection remains central. Broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoidance of artificial tanning significantly reduce cumulative ultraviolet damage and future risk.

Summary

Skin cancer is eminently manageable when identified early. Observing the skin for new, evolving, or non-healing lesions is fundamental.
If a change appears atypical for your skin, a specialist review provides clarity and ensures appropriate care at the earliest opportunity.

If you have any concerns, book a consultation as soon as possible or call Shona (PA) on 020 8152 4700