Dermatology Clinic

Skin Cancer Clinic

The Skin Cancer Clinic at Vale Healthcare is led by Dr Christian Aldridge, a Consultant Dermatologist specialising in skin cancer assessment, diagnosis and treatment treating patients from Cardiff, across South Wales and further afield in our state-of-the-art private clinic and private hospital.

Appointments at the Skin Cancer Clinic, which is based at the Vale Hospital near Cardiff, South Wales, are available weekly, and involve a consultation with a specialist skin cancer consultant, and often any necessary tests that the consultant thinks appropriate. This could include a biopsy of the skin, or removal of lesions.

Dr Aldridge sees patients from Cardiff , across South Wales and beyond with any kind of lesion or skin abnormality that does not heal or disappear after 4-6 weeks.

Following your consultation and any necessary tests, Dr Aldridge will discuss with you any required treatment or therapies that are necessary. for your particular skin cancer. This could include photodynamic therapy, topical immunotherapy, surgical excision, or dermoscopy.

Please find below some information about skin cancer. This is based on information taken from Cancer Research UK, and the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD).

Types of skin cancer

There are several different types of non-melanoma skin cancer, including squamous cell cancer and basal cell cancer. These are the most common types of skin cancer, and these cells are both found in the top layer of the skin, which is called the epidermis.

Basal cell skin cancer
This type accounts for about 75% of non melanoma skin cancers diagnosed. It develops mostly in areas exposed to the sun, but can develop on the back or lower legs. It is most often diagnosed in middle or old age. It is very rare for a basal cell skin cancer to spread to another part of the body.

Squamous cell skin cancer
This type accounts for about 20% of skin cancers diagnosed. It usually develops in areas that have been exposed to the sun. If squamous cell cancer does spread, it is most often to the deeper layers of the skin. Occasionally, it can spread to nearby lymph nodes and other organs, causing secondary cancers.

Much less common types of non melanoma skin cancer are merkel cell carcinoma, T cell lymphoma of the skin and sarcoma.

Non-melanoma skin cancer is different from melanoma, the type of skin cancer that most often develops from a mole. Skin cancers can vary in their speed of growth. Some can take some years before a cancer is noticed, whereas other will be noticed within a few months.

Skin cancer: The risks and causes

Non melanoma skin cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in the UK each year. It is one of the few cancers where the cause is unknown.

Skin cancer and the sun

Most skin cancers are caused by long term exposure to the sun. The most common types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). These cells are both found in the top layer of the skin, which is called the epidermis.

A history of sunburn increases the risk of Basal Cell Carcinoma. Risk is particularly high if, as a child you experienced episodes of sunburn. The risk of Squamous Cell Carcinoma is linked to overall sun exposure throughout your life. This therefore means that outdoor workers are more at risk, with sunburn in childhood also linked to SCC in some studies.

Some individuals are more likely to burn than others, which increases the risk of sun damage. This includes fair skinned people, with light coloured hair and eyes. Sunburn can double your risk of developing a skin cancer. It is recommended that you stay out of the sun when it is at it’s most intense, and never use a sunbed.

Skin cancer: Other risk factors

Older people, a family history or skin cancer, and those that have already had skin cancer are at a higher risk of skin cancer. Other risk factors include having had certain other skin conditions or previous radiotherapy, being exposed to certain chemicals and having a weakened immune system.

Skin cancer: Checking yourself

Checking for skin cancers is very important. If you notice any differences to your skin that don’t go away after 4 to 6 weeks or existing abnormalities that get bigger you should have these checked by your GP. This is particularly important if you are at high risk.

You should regularly check your moles. The general guidance to patients is to use the ABCD rule…

A is for asymmetry : has the mole changed shape
B is for border : is the outline of the mole less distinct or uneven
C is for colour : has the mole changed colour in any way
D is for diameter : has the mole increased in size

Skin cancer: What to look out for

Any area of skin that looks different to normal and does not heal within 4 to 6 weeks should be shown to your GP. In general, non melanoma skin cancer usually occurs on skin that is exposed to the sun.
Key things to look out for if you are worried about skin cancer include:

A spot or sore that does not heal within 4 – 6 weeks
A spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, scab, crust or bleed for more than 4 weeks Areas where the skin has broken down or forms an ulcer with no obvious cause, and does not heal within 4 weeks.

Basal cell skin cancers look like a small, slow growing shiny pink or red lump. If left, they tend to become crusty, ulcerate or bleed. They are commonest on the face, scalp, ears, hands, shoulders and back.

Squamous cell skin cancers are usually pink lumps. They may have hard or scaly skin on the surface. They can bleed easily and ulcerate. They are most often found on the face, neck, lips, ears, hands, shoulders, arms and legs.

Bowen’s disease is a very early form of skin cancer. It usually looks like a red patch and may be itchy. It can appear anywhere on the body.

Skin cancer worries: When to see a specialist?

It can be very difficult for GPs to decide who may have a suspected cancer and who has something much more minor. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) have produced guidelines for GPs to help them decide which patients need to be seen urgently by a specialist if skin cancer is suspected.

You can also choose to come direct to see a private specialist, such as Dr Christian Aldridge.