Like any form of cancer, spotting the signs of sarcoma early is crucial. To help spread awareness, 28-year-old Gareth Emmerson is cycling a whopping 1000 miles across the UK. A Sarcoma sufferer, Gareth is a true inspiration, and has exceeded his fundraising target of £100,000 for Sarcoma UK!
As July marks Sarcoma Awareness Month, we thought we would share some common questions. For example, what is it? And how is it treated? Therefore, you can find out everything you need to know below.
What is sarcoma?
Sarcoma is a term used to describe a broad group of uncommon cancers. It is estimated that there are around 100 different types of sarcomas, separated into three distinct categories. These include primary bone sarcoma, soft tissue sarcoma, and gastro-intestinal stromal tumours.
They can develop within the bone, cartilage, muscles, nerves, fibrous and fatty tissues. They most commonly develop around the legs, trunk, and arms. There are approximately 5300 cases of sarcomas diagnosed each year in the UK. They account for fewer than 1% of adult cancer cases in the country.
The most common type of sarcoma patients develop is soft tissue sarcoma. This includes liposarcoma, undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, and leiomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas.
How is it diagnosed?
Getting an early diagnosis is key for successful treatment of sarcoma. The main symptom you may experience is a lump in the arm, leg, or trunk area. While these are the most common areas for them to develop, they can occur in other parts of the body too.
There are several ways to diagnose the condition, starting with a clinical assessment. A scan, such as an X-Ray, Ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan, will help to see whether there is a sarcoma inside the body. A biopsy may need to be carried out on suspected tissue.
If sarcoma is diagnosed, it will be presented as a specific grade and stage. There are three grades, including low, intermediate, and high-grade. The latter is the fastest spreading, more aggressive form of the condition. In addition, it will be categorised into one of four stages. Stage 1 is the easiest to treat as the cancer is localised. Stage 4 cancer is the most severe, highlighting that it has spread throughout the body.
What treatment options are available?
The subtype, grade and stage of your sarcoma will determine the type of treatment you require. Whichever type you have, it should be treated at a specialist centre.
The most common type of treatment is a combination of surgery and radiotherapy. The tumour is removed, alongside additional tissue in the surrounding area. This prevents any cancer cells potentially being left behind. But if the tumour is large, radiotherapy can be used to shrink it down prior to surgery. Certainly it reduces the risk of the tumour recurring.
You will learn which treatment method is right for you after receiving a diagnosis. In addition, you may be offered the opportunity to take part in clinical trials.
Above all, if you are worried you may have sarcoma, you should seek a diagnosis as quickly as possible. The earlier it is caught, the easier it will be to treat.
For more advice, call us on 020 3770 5864 to arrange an appointment at the HCA Lister Hospital (Chelsea Outpatient Centre and Chiswick Medical Centre). Or call 020 7808 2785 to book a consultation with Mr Myles Smith at the Royal Marsden Hospital.
Is My Lump Harmless? It Might Be Lipoma
Finding a lump on your body can be terrifying. However, the good news is that not all lumps are a sign of cancer. It could be that you have a Lipoma, the most common type of tumour to grow underneath the skin. While it is classed as a tumour, it isn’t harmful.
So, what is a Lipoma and how can you tell it apart from a cancerous tumour? Discover everything you need to know below…
What is a Lipoma?
A Lipoma is a fatty lump that develops within the soft tissue. It is estimated that 1 out of 1000 people will get a Lipoma at some stage in their lives. They are commonly found on the thighs, upper body, and arms.
It isn’t known what causes a Lipoma to develop. However, it is known to be genetically linked and more prominent in those who are middle-aged.
Lipoma symptoms to watch out for
If you have a Lipoma, you’ll notice the following symptoms:
Most Lipomas are less than 2 inches in diameter. However, it is possible for them to grow larger. You may also notice you have more than one at a time. Perhaps the most important factor to look out for is whether it is soft and easily movable. Cancer lumps are typically very hard, and you won’t be able to move them with finger pressure alone.
Most of the time Lipomas are also painless. However, as they grow, they may push on nearby blood vessels or nerves. Although these symptoms do suggest that you have a Lipoma and nothing more serious, it is still extremely important to get any lump checked out by the doctor.
Diagnosing a Lipoma
A physical exam is usually all that is needed to diagnose a Lipoma. However, in some cases, a biopsy may need to be carried out. This involves removing a small part of the lump before it is analysed under a microscope. Other tests such as ultrasound, MRI’s and sometimes CT scans may also help to diagnose a Lipoma.
If you are diagnosed with Lipoma, you won’t necessarily need treatment. However, the tumour won’t just magically go away. Therefore, if it is causing cosmetic issues, you can choose to have it removed.
All lumps should be diagnosed as quickly as possible. That way, if it does turn out to be something more harmful, treatment can be undertaken quickly. So if you have a lump that is over 5cm in diameter, book a visit to the One-Stop Lump Clinic with Mr Smith (with or without a letter from your GP).
Go to – https://surgicaloncology.co.uk/one-stop-cancer-clinic/ and use the form here to give us more information about the lump and any symptoms you are experiencing. Then we can arrange an Ultrasound or MRI in either the Chelsea Outpatient Centre or the Chiswick Medical Centre.
What Type of Cancer Are GISTs?
GISTS, short for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours, are extremely rare forms of cancer. It is thought that they make up just 0.2% of all cancer cases, and 1% of gastrointestinal cancer. In the UK alone, there are approximately 900 new cases each year.
So, what are GISTs? And how are they diagnosed? Learn everything you need to know about GISTs below.
What is a GIST?
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours grow specifically within the gastrointestinal tract. They are malignant tumours, and they may develop from specialised cells known as Interstitial cells of Cajal. These cells are responsible for signalling the movement of the bowels. This type of cancer is most common in adults aged 40-70 and is extremely rare in young adults and children.
The size of the tumours varies greatly between patients. Some are very small, while others are quite large. You may also develop one, or several tumours.
What causes this type of cancer?
Experts currently don’t know the exact cause of GISTs. However, what they do know is that it relates to a protein known as Kit (CD 117). When the protein becomes abnormal, it forces the cells to grow more rapidly, turning cancerous.
They are diagnosed via an endoscopy, CT scan and biopsy. This helps the surgeon to determine exactly where the tumour is, alongside how big it is, and confirms the diagnosis. Usually this is all that is needed to plan treatment.
What are the symptoms of GISTs?
The trouble with GISTs is that they tend to go unnoticed for quite a long time. This is because they don’t interfere with organ function. Even when symptoms do start to occur, they can be extremely varied. However, they often point to other, more common conditions which can make it difficult to diagnose a GIST.
The main symptoms to watch out for with GISTs include:
If you have two or more of these symptoms and they cannot be explained, they could point to a GIST.
Can GISTs be treated?
Although extremely rare, GISTs can be successfully treated. However, this will depend upon how many tumours are present, and how advanced the cancer has become.
At the moment, when a tumour is found, experts agree the best way forward is to remove it. If a GIST is suspected large, a biopsy may be carried out using an endoscopy procedure, or radiologically. A lot of GISTs are only diagnosed after surgery has been performed.
Depending on the size and location of the tumour, different surgical approaches may be used. The commonest approach would be with an open operation (laparotomy). But there are now more minimally invasive techniques such as keyhole surgery, or robotic surgery, of which Mr. Smith has pioneered in challenging GIST cases.
Mr. Smith has more information available on GIST and it’s management available on his page here.
Mr Smith has specific interest and expertise in GIST and has worked with GIST Support UK. So if it is suspected that you have a GIST, book a consultation with Mr Myles Smith today.
For more advice, call us on 020 3770 5864 to arrange an appointment at the HCA Lister Hospital Clinics (Chelsea Outpatient Centre and Chiswick Medical Centre) or call 020 7808 2785 to book a consultation with Mr Myles Smith at the Royal Marsden Hospital.
Can Exercising Outside Increase Your Risk of Melanoma?
Working out in the summer months can be tough. The heat makes it almost unbearable to exercise indoors, while outdoors you need to worry about the risks of UV rays. So, are you at an increased risk of melanoma if you do exercise outdoors?
A recent study has revealed no link between exercising outdoors and melanoma. However, it all depends on one thing – keeping the skin protected!
Understanding the latest skin cancer study
The latest study was carried out by Norwegian researchers. It looked at 150,000 women aged from 30 to 75. They were involved in a large-scale cancer study, carried out over a period of 20 years. The goal of this latest research was to determine whether exercising in the sun increased the chances of developing skin cancer.
Previous studies have suggested it does due to the increased risk of sunburn. In this study however, it was discovered that there was no increased risk compared to those who exercised indoors. Compared to those who were not as active, women who exercised outdoors didn’t get as many sunburns.
The reason women don’t appear to get sunburn as much outdoors when they are exercising, is because they take more precautions. So, what precautions should you be taking if you want to safely exercise outdoors?
Reducing your risk of melanoma
If you want to make sure you are protected against melanoma while exercising outdoors, there are some precautions you can take. They include:
Wearing sunscreen is the number one way to protect the skin while out in the sun. You’ll ideally want to invest in one that has at least SPF 30, but Mr. Smith recommends SPF 50. The thing to remember when you are exercising, is that sweating can cause the sunscreen to wear off. This means you may need to reapply it more frequently.
Avoid working out during the hottest parts of the day. Try to exercise either first thing in the morning, or early evening. Wearing light coloured clothing will also help to repel the sun. Dark coloured clothes absorb the heat, making it more difficult to work out safely.
Of course, you should also make sure you stay well hydrated. However, avoid drinking too much as this can be equally as dangerous. If you feel your mouth getting dry, have a drink of water. If you don’t stay hydrated, it could lead to heat stroke.
Overall, exercising outdoors won’t increase your risk of melanoma provided you take the right precautions. Always protect the skin with sunscreen. And remember to keep an eye on any changes in moles on the body too.
Mr Myles Smith has extensive experience diagnosing and treating melanoma. Melanoma is most commonly removed through surgery. But the earlier you undergo treatment, the more successful it is likely to be.
For more advice, call us on 020 3770 5864 to arrange an appointment at the HCA Lister Hospital Clinics (Chelsea Outpatient Centre and Chiswick Medical Centre) or call 020 7808 2785 to book a consultation with Mr Myles Smith at the Royal Marsden Hospital.
The Dangers of Tanning and Skin Cancer
The UK weather often leaves a lot to be desired. Cold, wet, and dull days tend to be the norm for most of the year. When the sun finally arrives for the brief British summer, it’s natural to want to soak up every last ray while it lasts.
The trouble is, tanning can be dangerous for your skin, particularly if it isn’t protected. Also, it isn’t just outdoor sunbathing you need to be wary of. Indoor tanning has shown to increase the risk of non-melanoma cancer.
Here, we will look at the dangers of tanning and skin cancer, and how you can protect yourself.
Why is tanning bad for the skin?
Did you know there is no such thing as a ‘safe’ tan? While we all love that healthy glow a tan provides, it is actually a sign of skin damage.
As the skin is exposed to the radiation from UV rays, melanin production is increased. This attempts to protect the skin from additional damage. Melanin is responsible for the colour of our skin, hair, and eyes. As its production ramps up, the skin becomes darker. So, what kind of damage can tanning do to the skin?
Tanning can lead to several issues if you fail to protect the skin. Not only can it speed up the signs of aging, but it can also lead to skin cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to recognise the signs of damage early if you want to stay protected.
The dangers of indoor tanning
As the dangers of tanning come from the sun’s UV radiation, it is common to assume that indoor tanning would be a safer option. Tanning beds have long been a popular way for people to achieve that sunkissed look. However, did you know they can also be more dangerous than the sun’s rays?
Sunbeds produce UV rays, just like the sun. However, unlike the sun, you are extremely close to the source of the UV radiation on a sunbed. This exposes the skin to potentially higher levels of UV, which significantly increases the risks.
Those who use tanning beds on a frequent basis, particularly those under 25, are at an increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer.
Keeping yourself protected
If you want to protect yourself against the dangers of tanning, there are a few preventative measures you can take. First and foremost, you should protect the skin with a good SPF lotion. The higher the SPF, the better the level of protection. Mr. Smith recommends 50 SPF.
You should never use tanning beds and stay out of direct sunlight during peak hours. Using sunbeds has been found to increase your skin cancer risk by 75%.
Taking precautions to look after your skin this summer will help to lower your risk of skin cancer. Also remember to monitor any changes in your skin, such as a change in the shape or size of your moles.
If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, undergoing the right type of surgery is crucial. The earlier you undergo treatment, the more successful it is likely to be.
For more advice, call us on 020 3770 5864 to arrange an appointment at the HCA Lister Hospital Clinics (Chelsea Outpatient Centre and Chiswick Medical Centre) or call 020 7808 2785 to book a consultation with Mr Myles Smith at the Royal Marsden Hospital.
What is Sarcoma? Your Questions Answered
Like any form of cancer, spotting the signs of sarcoma early is crucial. To help spread awareness, 28-year-old Gareth Emmerson is cycling a whopping 1000 miles across the UK. A Sarcoma sufferer, Gareth is a true inspiration, and has exceeded his fundraising target of £100,000 for Sarcoma UK!
As July marks Sarcoma Awareness Month, we thought we would share some common questions. For example, what is it? And how is it treated? Therefore, you can find out everything you need to know below.
What is sarcoma?
Sarcoma is a term used to describe a broad group of uncommon cancers. It is estimated that there are around 100 different types of sarcomas, separated into three distinct categories. These include primary bone sarcoma, soft tissue sarcoma, and gastro-intestinal stromal tumours.
They can develop within the bone, cartilage, muscles, nerves, fibrous and fatty tissues. They most commonly develop around the legs, trunk, and arms. There are approximately 5300 cases of sarcomas diagnosed each year in the UK. They account for fewer than 1% of adult cancer cases in the country.
The most common type of sarcoma patients develop is soft tissue sarcoma. This includes liposarcoma, undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, and leiomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas.
How is it diagnosed?
Getting an early diagnosis is key for successful treatment of sarcoma. The main symptom you may experience is a lump in the arm, leg, or trunk area. While these are the most common areas for them to develop, they can occur in other parts of the body too.
There are several ways to diagnose the condition, starting with a clinical assessment. A scan, such as an X-Ray, Ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan, will help to see whether there is a sarcoma inside the body. A biopsy may need to be carried out on suspected tissue.
If sarcoma is diagnosed, it will be presented as a specific grade and stage. There are three grades, including low, intermediate, and high-grade. The latter is the fastest spreading, more aggressive form of the condition. In addition, it will be categorised into one of four stages. Stage 1 is the easiest to treat as the cancer is localised. Stage 4 cancer is the most severe, highlighting that it has spread throughout the body.
What treatment options are available?
The subtype, grade and stage of your sarcoma will determine the type of treatment you require. Whichever type you have, it should be treated at a specialist centre.
The most common type of treatment is a combination of surgery and radiotherapy. The tumour is removed, alongside additional tissue in the surrounding area. This prevents any cancer cells potentially being left behind. But if the tumour is large, radiotherapy can be used to shrink it down prior to surgery. Certainly it reduces the risk of the tumour recurring.
You will learn which treatment method is right for you after receiving a diagnosis. In addition, you may be offered the opportunity to take part in clinical trials.
Above all, if you are worried you may have sarcoma, you should seek a diagnosis as quickly as possible. The earlier it is caught, the easier it will be to treat.
For more advice, call us on 020 3770 5864 to arrange an appointment at the HCA Lister Hospital (Chelsea Outpatient Centre and Chiswick Medical Centre). Or call 020 7808 2785 to book a consultation with Mr Myles Smith at the Royal Marsden Hospital.
Why Should You Have a Sebaceous Cyst Surgically Removed?
Sebaceous cysts are typically harmless, but they can be uncomfortable and are not generally nice to look at. It can be tempting to try and pop them, but this can increase the risk of infection, as well as additional inflammation.
If you have a sebaceous cyst, you may be wondering whether or not to have it surgically removed. Here, you will discover more about these cysts and why surgery is often the best form of treatment.
What is a sebaceous cyst?
Sebaceous cysts are a little misleading. They are not caused by the sebaceous glands (sweat glands). Instead, they are caused by infundibulum cells located above the hair follicles. Some doctors refer to them as epidermoid cysts for this reason.
They tend to occur more on the back, face, neck, or abdomen. When you press against it, the cyst will move under the skin and it may have a small black opening in its centre. If it ruptures, a yellow liquid will leak out and there will be a foul smell caused by a collection of fats and proteins.
While most sebaceous cysts are non-cancerous, they could link to other things such as an ingrown hair, or a boil. For this reason, it is important to have the cyst assessed by a specialist to rule out other potential causes. This is especially true if the cyst is bigger than 5cm in diameter, is infected, or if it grows back quickly after being removed.
There are a number of things that can cause these cysts. Most tend to occur from skin trauma or conditions such as acne.
Can you remove them yourself?
It may be tempting to try and remove a sebaceous cyst yourself. However, doing so is never recommended. This is because these types of cysts have a capsule around them. If this capsule is not removed surgically, the cyst will simply grow back. What’s more, the cell wall actually starts to grow back thicker. This makes a recurring cyst more difficult to remove.
Not only is it difficult to completely remove a cyst by yourself, but it’s also dangerous. The cyst could be attached to nearby nerves. There is also a high likelihood that it will cause an infection. So, having it surgically removed is the best and safest option.
Why is it beneficial to remove a sebaceous cyst surgically?
While there is a chance your sebaceous cyst will disappear on its own, it is unlikely. When left untreated, these cysts tend to grow larger over time. Eventually, they become too large and uncomfortable, requiring them to be removed anyway. Having them surgically removed when they are smaller is a lot easier, and it reduces the likelihood of recurrence.
If you have a sebaceous cyst, book a consultation today to discuss your treatment options. The most common technique used to remove them is the surgical wide excision method. However, there are different techniques if surgical wide excision isn’t suitable.
For more advice, call us on 020 3770 5864 to arrange an appointment at the HCA Lister Hospital (Chelsea Outpatient Centre and Chiswick Medical Centre) or call 020 7808 2785 to book a consultation with Mr Myles Smith at the Royal Marsden Hospital.
What Are Liposarcomas, And How Are They Treated?
Sarcomas are a type of cancer which develop within the body’s connective tissues. These include fat, bone, and muscle. While these types of cancer only account for around 1% of all cases, there are over 50 different subtypes, including liposarcomas.
Here, we look at what liposarcomas are, and the different treatment options.
What are Liposarcomas?
Liposarcomas are rare tumours that develop from fat tissue which occurs within the soft tissues of the body. They are classified as cancer due to their ability to reoccur and spread within other areas of the body.
There are different subtypes of liposarcomas, and the severity of the disease will depend upon the type experienced. It tends to develop more within the body’s extremities such as the thigh. However, it can also occur in other areas such as at the back of the abdomen.
Liposarcomas are more present in middle-aged men aged 50-65. They are also extremely rare in children. The three main types of liposarcomas are:
Atypcial lipomatous liposarcomas locally aggressive and present as painless masses deeper in the tissues, but we believe they do not spread elsewhere unless they transform to a dedifferentiated liposarcoma. The myxoid round cell and pleomorphic types are mostly found in the legs and arms, and carry a risk of recurring in other sites.
Signs and symptoms to watch out for
In the early stages of a liposarcoma, you may not experience any symptoms. It is common that you do not experience any symptoms until the tumour has grown large enough to compress nearby tissues.
The exact symptoms will depend upon where the tumour is, alongside how large it is. You may also be able to feel the liposarcoma as a deep mass.
To diagnose the liposarcoma, an MRI and possibly a core biopsy will be performed.
Liposarcoma treatment options
The main treatment for liposarcomas is surgery. Several different types of surgery can be done, depending on the size and location of the tumour. You may also need to undergo radiotherapy alongside the surgery, either before or after. This would help to reduce the risk of recurrence. Mr Smith will go through your options in your consultation, and discuss which treatment would be better suited to you.
After treatment has been provided, routine follow ups will be attended. This will help to ensure that the liposarcoma doesn’t come back. If it does, treatment will be able to be provided quickly.
Liposarcomas are fairly rare, but they are known to reoccur. Early detection is the best way to ensure diagnosis and effective treatment, and there are several options including surgery.
For more advice, call us on 020 3770 5864 to arrange an appointment at the HCA Lister Hospital Clinics (Chelsea Outpatient Centre and Chiswick Medical Centre) or call 020 7808 2785 to book a consultation with Mr Myles Smith at the Royal Marsden Hospital.
Myles Smith holds first clinic at the new The Royal Marsden Private Care centre
A world-class cancer facility, the centre has consulting rooms, chemotherapy chairs, a minor procedure suite and imaging facilities, significantly improving how private patients access, experience and use our services. Patients can expect to have an appointment booked following their initial enquiry, and will be able to directly access diagnostic services without prior referral.
The facility can also provide same day scans and results.
For more information on the clinic, call 020 7808 2785 to arrange a consultation with Mr Myles Smith.
Should I Have my Lump Removed by Surgery?
Trying to decide whether to have your lump surgically removed? While the majority of lumps are harmless, occasionally they can be a sign of a serious underlying issue.
Knowing when to remove a lump is important when it comes to protecting your health. The only real way to determine whether your lump should be removed, is by having it assessed by a professional.
Below, you will discover the characteristics of some of the most common types of lumps and whether they typically need to be removed. You will also learn more about the symptoms that should be investigated further.
What characteristics do harmless lumps have?
Although some lumps can be cancerous, the truth is, most are completely harmless. The question is, how do you know the difference?
When it comes to harmless lumps, they do tend to have a few characteristics in common. They are usually soft to touch and remain mobile when touched. That is, they move around when you touch them, rather than stay in the same position. They are also typically located in the fat layer of the skin.
Common conditions which can lead to the development of harmless lumps include cysts, tendonitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and enlarged lymph nodes. There is usually an explanation for the lump such as a trauma, and they will get better over time.
The characteristics of harmful lumps
With more harmful lumps, they too have a few characteristics you should look out for.
To be assessed, a lump may measure more than 5cm or be growing rapidly. It could also be located deep under the skin, or it may be recurrent. These symptoms can point to a lump that needs to be investigated in case it could represent a soft tissue tumour. In these cases, you may require a further assessment from a specialist soft tissue cancer expert.
While finding a lump can be alarming, most will not turn out to be worrisome. With that being said, even benign lumps can cause potential health issues, so it is best to book a consultation to talk through your options.
You can book an appointment with Mr Myles Smith at the One-Stop Lump Clinic with or without a GP letter. Visit https://surgicaloncology.co.uk/one-stop-cancer-clinic/ and use the form here to provide information about the lump and any symptoms you are experiencing. From there we can arrange an Ultrasound or MRI in either the Chelsea Outpatient Centre or the Chiswick Medical Centre.
Study Finds a Link Between Testosterone and Melanoma
Skin cancer is known to be the 5th most common cancer within the UK. Each year, approximately 16,200 new cases are diagnosed. While the survival rate stands at around 87%, catching the cancer early is crucial.
As May marks Skin Cancer Awareness Month, now has never been a better time to be vigilant. Understanding the risk factors and symptoms is essential if you want to detect the cancer early.
A recent study has revealed a link between testosterone and melanoma. So, what do these new findings mean, and what exactly is melanoma?
What is melanoma?
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. It develops as a melanocyte within the pigment-forming skin cells. However, a melanoma isn’t just skin cancer; it can also develop on the scalp, eyes, feet, nails, or anywhere else on the body. It occurs in 51% of males and 49% of females and it is typically caused by exposure to the sun’s UV rays.
Studies have shown that suffering with a bad sunburn as a child, doubles your chances of developing melanoma in adult life. There are a number of known risk factors, with the latest findings suggesting that testosterone plays a crucial role.
Understanding the link between testosterone and melanoma
A new study, founded by Cancer Research UK, looked at hormone levels within the blood. It discovered that 1 in 36 males, and 1 in 47 females, will develop Melanoma skin cancer in their lifetime.
Researchers from the Oxford University looked at blood sample data from 122,100 post-menopausal women, and 182,600 men. They were aged between 40 and 69 and were cancer free for at least a couple of years after the samples were taken.
After following the participants for seven years, 5,632 women and 9,519 men went on to develop skin cancer melanoma. Data showed that men who had a higher level of testosterone were at an increased risk of developing the cancer. Increased testosterone levels in post-menopausal women were also found to link to an increased risk of breast and endometrial cancer.
While the reason why testosterone increases the risk of melanoma isn’t known, it does help to bring awareness of the risk.
How is melanoma treated?
Mr Myles Smith has extensive experience diagnosing and treating melanoma. During your consultation, he will examine the area and determine whether further assessment is needed. Melanoma is most commonly removed through surgery.
The type of surgical treatment you’ll need will depend upon the location and size of the melanoma. Just some of the surgical methods that can be used include wide local excisions, sentinel node biopsies and surgery for skin metastasis.
If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, undergoing the right type of surgery is crucial. The earlier you undergo treatment, the more successful it is likely to be.
For more advice, call us on 020 3770 5864 to arrange an appointment at the HCA Lister Hospital Clinics (Chelsea Outpatient Centre and Chiswick Medical Centre) or call 020 7808 2785 to book a consultation with Mr Myles Smith at the Royal Marsden Hospital.