Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK. Early detection and treatment dramatically improve outcomes. Many skin cancers are painless and easy to miss, which is why expert assessment is essential.

 

Dr Bryan McDonald provides specialist assessment of suspicious moles, sun damage, and pre-cancerous lesions, with on-site biopsy and minor skin surgery where required.

 

What are the common types of skin cancer?

• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) – slow growing, rarely spreads

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) – can spread if untreated

• Melanoma – less common but more serious

• Actinic Keratoses (AKs) and Bowen disease (squamous cell carcinoma in situ) – pre-cancerous sun damage

 

Signs to look for (ABCDE rule)

• Asymmetry

• Border irregularity

• Colour variation

• Diameter >6mm

• Evolving or changing

Also watch for:

• Non-healing sores

• Bleeding or crusting lesions

• Rapidly growing lumps

• Other change in a lesion which cannot be explained

 

Assessment and Treatment

• Full skin examination and dermoscopy

• Biopsy/Excision if required 

• Cryotherapy, chemotherapy creams, PDT or surgery for pre-cancers 

• Surgical removal of cancers

• Regular mole checks 

 

Who should have regular checks?

• Fair skin / high sun exposure

• History of sunburns or tanning beds

• Family history of melanoma

• Many moles or changing lesions

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FAQs

1. How do I know if a mole is dangerous?
Look for changes using the ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter, Evolving). Any changing mole should be checked with a mole check and skin cancer assessment.

 

2. Are skin cancers painful?
Most are painless. Non-healing, crusting, or bleeding lesions are often more concerning than painful ones.

 

3. What are actinic keratoses?
These are pre-cancerous sun damage spots that can develop into skin cancer if untreated.

 

4. Can a suspicious mole be removed on the same day?
If needed, a procedure can be performed during your appointment, though for more complex/bigger procedures, this may be booked separately to give adequate time.

 

5. Who should consider having regular skin checks with a dermatologist?
People with fair skin, high sun exposure, many moles, or a family history of melanoma.

 

Book a mole check

If worried about a change in a skin lesion, book a consultation for a professional skin cancer assessment.