The Critical Role of Early Skin Cancer Diagnosis

When you think of a plastic surgeon in Belgravia, you might primarily associate them with cosmetic procedures like facelifts or blepharoplasty. However, a significant and often life-saving part of their expertise lies in the detection, diagnosis, and surgical treatment of skin cancer.

In the fight against melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), early diagnosis is the most critical factor for a successful outcome. Here is why consulting a plastic surgeon for routine skin checks and suspicious lesions offers a unique and critical advantage.

1. Expertise in Complex Skin Anatomy

Plastic surgeons are specialists in the intricate structure and function of the skin and underlying tissues across the entire body. This comprehensive knowledge is vital for diagnosis:

• Understanding Lesion Depth: They are expertly trained to assess not just the surface appearance of a mole or lesion, but also its likely depth and potential spread, which is crucial for determining the stage and treatment plan.
• A Focus on the Head and Neck: Many skin cancers appear on the face, head, and neck. Plastic surgeons have unparalleled experience in these anatomically complex areas, ensuring nothing is missed.

2. The Power of Early Detection and Biopsy

If a suspicious spot is identified during a skin check, a plastic surgeon is often the best clinician to handle the next steps.

• Surgical Biopsy: The precise technique used for a diagnostic biopsy can impact the final pathology report. Plastic surgeons are skilled in taking the most informative sample while minimising scarring, especially in visible areas.
• The ABCDE Rule: While a full skin examination requires professional expertise, a plastic surgeon will often remind patients to use the ABCDE rule for self-checks:
  • Asymmetry
  • Border irregularity
  • Color variations
  • Diameter (larger than 6mm)
  • Evolving (changes in size, shape, or colour)

3. The Oncological and Reconstructive Advantage

This is where the plastic surgeon’s role becomes truly indispensable—combining cancer removal (oncology) with immediate reconstruction.

• Complete Excision with Clear Margins: The primary goal of any skin cancer surgery is to remove the entire cancerous lesion along with a margin of healthy tissue (known as “clear margins”). Plastic surgeons are meticulous in ensuring the cancer is completely removed.
• Immediate Reconstruction: Unlike some other specialists, a plastic surgeon can immediately perform the necessary reconstructive surgery. Whether it requires complex flaps or sophisticated skin grafts, their focus is on closing the surgical defect in a way that preserves both function and aesthetic outcome. This single-stage approach minimises the emotional and physical stress for the patient.

If you have a persistent or changing mole, a lesion that bleeds easily, or simply haven’t had a recent professional skin check, Jonathan Dunne in Belgravia should be your first point of contact. Early intervention by an expert not only saves lives but also ensures that the resulting scar is managed with the utmost care for appearance. Get in touch with us today.