Bowen’s Disease, otherwise known as squamous cell carcinoma in situ, is an early form of skin cancer. Since it is easily treatable, it isn’t considered a serious condition. With that being said, if left untreated, it does have the potential to develop into something more sinister.
There are several factors that can contribute to Bowen’s Disease, including long-term sun exposure. Here, you’ll discover everything you need to know about Bowen’s Disease including its causes and treatment options.
What is Bowen’s Disease?
Bowen’s Disease is a type of cancer that develops in the outer layer of the skin. Typically, it isn’t serious and can be easily treated. However, if it goes undetected or untreated it can lead to squamous cell carcinoma. This is an invasive form of skin cancer that can prove deadly if not treated quickly enough.
Approximately 1 in 20-30 people with untreated Bowen’s Disease will go on to develop squamous cell carcinoma.
Causes and symptoms
Long-term exposure to the sun is known to be the main cause of Bowen’s Disease. Those who are taking immunosuppression medication long-term, are also at a greater risk of developing the condition. It isn’t thought to be hereditary, though those with fair skin and who are prone to sunburn also have a higher risk factor.
Many patients don’t experience any symptoms at all, though it largely presents as a patch on the skin. The patch could be pink or red, raised, or flat, crusty, or scaly, and it may or may not be itchy. You will notice that the patch doesn’t heal, and you may have more than one.
If cancer has spread and become more serious, it may turn into an open sore or a lump. If you notice any of these symptoms you should seek medical advice. Mr Myles Smith has extensive experience diagnosing and treating Bowen’s Disease as well as squamous cell carcinoma. During your consultation, he can help advise you on the best course of treatment.
Bowen’s Disease treatments
The good news is there are a lot of great treatments you can undergo to fight Bowen’s Disease. If it is caught early enough, you may be suitable for the following treatments:
- Cryotherapy
- Chemotherapy or imiquimod cream
- Photodynamic therapy
- Curettage and cautery
- Surgery
With cryotherapy, the affected area of the skin is sprayed with liquid nitrogen. This freezes the skin, causing it to scab over before falling off in just a few weeks. This treatment is known to be painful, and you may notice the skin feels uncomfortable for a few days.
Alternatively, chemotherapy or imiquimod cream can be applied to the area. The cream will need to be applied regularly over the course of a few weeks. Before it improves, you may notice your skin becomes inflamed and red in colour.
With curettage and cautery, you will be given a local anaesthetic before the affected area of the skin is scraped away. Electricity or heat is used to stop any bleeding, and the area will scab over and fall off within a few weeks.
In some cases, surgery may be required to cut out the affected skin. 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.
Local Anaesthetic Procedures Aftercare – New Patient Information Leaflet
If you have had a local anaesthetic procedure, it is important to know what to expect, how to manage your wound and what skincare routine to follow.
Mr Smith can now provide an information leaflet to help you to understand the stages of scar healing after local anaesthetic procedures. This will help you to know what to expect, but also know when to seek medical advice.
When you attend your first consultation with Mr Smith before your surgery, he can answer any questions you have. He will also support you with any decisions about your treatment.
This A4 patient information sheet can be printed at home and includes information about:
If you would like to be sent a copy of the leaflet, please email MylesSmith.Secretary@hcahealthcare.co.uk.
For further useful patient information sheets and support group links, you can visit the free patient resources page here.
What To Expect In Your Skin Excision – New Patient Information Leaflet
Before you undergo a skin excision, it is important to have all the information you need.
Mr Smith can now provide an information leaflet to help you better understand what to expect if you are about to undergo a skin excision.
When you attend your first consultation with Mr Smith before your surgery, he can answer any questions you have and will support you with any decisions about your treatment.
The A4 patient information sheet can be printed at home and includes information about:
If you would like to be sent a copy of the leaflet, please email MylesSmith.Secretary@hcahealthcare.co.uk. For further useful patient information sheets and support group links, you can visit the free patient resources page here.
Pharmacierge Medications Delivery
Mr Myles Smith is committed to supporting patients with their treatment at home, and ensuring convenient, reliable and stress-free delivery of medications. That is why he has teamed up with Pharmacierge, a trusted and efficient prescriptions delivery service.
If you need a prescription outside of clinic times, Pharmacierge will hand deliver your prescriptions directly to you, as soon as you need them.
With Pharmacierge, you can expect a seamless and efficient service for a comparable cost to what you would pay in your local pharmacy for a private prescription.
For more information on Pharmacierge, please visit their website here.
COVID and Sarcoma
Sarcoma patients who develop COVID are experiencing a high level of complications. This is according to a presentation hosted at the 2021 annual meeting of the Connective Tissue Oncology Society.
Here, we will look at the latest study into COVID and sarcoma, and what it means for patients.
What the study revealed about COVID and sarcoma
The new study, carried out by the University of Washington, aimed to provide crucial insight into COVID outcomes in patients with sarcoma.
Data from 222 adults with sarcoma was taken from the Covid-19 and Cancer Consortium Registry. Around 48% of these patients were women and they entered the Cancer Consortium Registry from March 17th, 2020, to June 13th 2021. The most common types of sarcoma included in the study were bone, gastrointestinal stromal tumour, and soft tissue sarcoma.
Around 54% of patients had active cancer, with 19% experiencing lung metastases. It was revealed that under half of the patients had received targeted therapy or cytotoxic chemotherapy within 3 months of receiving a COVID diagnosis.
Follow-ups were typically provided at around 56 days, with 49% requiring hospitalisation. Out of those patients who were hospitalized, 32% needed oxygen, 12% had been admitted into the ICU, and 6% needed to be placed onto a ventilator. Sadly, 9% of patients died within 30 days of being hospitalized and 16% of patients died after 30 days.
The researchers concluded that patients with COVID and sarcoma have a high incidence of complications. However, it didn’t detect any significant differences between sarcoma subtypes. Further research is required to better understand how vaccination status, the Delta variant, and the risk of death from sarcoma play a role in the results.
COVID advice for sarcoma patients
Patients with sarcoma will understandably be concerned about the risks of developing COVID. There is a dedicated helpline set up to answer any questions you might have. The Sarcoma UK support line can be reached via 0808 801 0401.
If patients are undergoing chemotherapy and other immunosuppressant treatments, care must be taken to avoid picking up the virus. This includes:
Patients are also advised to ensure they are fully vaccinated.
Overall, COVID is causing sarcoma patients to experience more complications than those without the cancer. However, further research will need to be conducted to determine the long-term effects.
If you are concerned about sarcoma, call 020 7808 2785 to book a consultation with Mr Smith at the Royal Marsden Hospital.
5 Tips for Spotting Melanoma
Melanoma, which is the most serious form of skin cancer, is best treated as early as possible. Caused by the sun’s harmful UV rays, it develops in the pigment-producing cells, Melanocytes. It can quickly grow and spread to other organs in the body, so the sooner you spot it, the more likely you will be able to make a full recovery.
Recently, a hockey fan at an NHL game in the US spotted an aggressive-looking mole on the neck of a team manager – and alerted him about it. Lucky for him too, as it turned out to be Melanoma. However, spotting Melanoma isn’t always easy, especially when you don’t know what you should be looking out for.
If you want to stand the best chance of spotting Melanoma early and getting it treated, here are 5 tips you can follow.
1. Look out for asymmetry
One of the key warning signs of Melanoma is asymmetry. Most benign moles have a symmetrical design. If you were to place a line down the middle of them, they would look the same on either side. With Melanoma, however, the mole or new area of skin discolouration will be asymmetrical.
2. Check for colour changes in moles
The colour of the mole or spot can be an indicator of Melanoma. Most benign moles are a single colour, typically brown. Moles that are malignant on the other hand, tend to have differing shades of brown, red, or black. They can also feature white, blue, and red. Pay attention to the colour of the mole and watch out for any changes.
3. Pay attention to the borders
Moles or spots that are cancerous tend to have irregular borders. That is, they may have notched or scalloped edges. As well as being symmetrical, benign moles also have neat and smooth borders. So, if the border is smooth and even, it likely isn’t anything to worry about. However, you should still get it checked out quickly just to be sure.
4. Measure the size of the spot or mole
The diameter of the spot or mole can also be a tell-tale sign of Melanoma. Cancerous moles are larger in diameter than benign moles. Typically, moles that are larger than ¼ inch in size could be malignant. The exception to this is if the Melanoma is in its early stages. Here, the mole will appear smaller, growing larger as the cancer progresses.
5. Check your spots and moles frequently
The key way of spotting Melanoma early is by regularly checking your moles or any skin discolouration. Keep an eye on them for any changes in colour, shape, and size. Changes can occur gradually, so pay close attention to even the slightest of changes.
The above are the top 5 tips for spotting Melanoma. Even in winter, the sun’s rays can damage the skin. Taking just a few minutes to scan your moles for changes could potentially save your life. Catching Melanoma early greatly enhances the chances of survival.
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.
KIT Exon 9-Mutant GIST Research Published In Chemotherapy Journal
Surgical oncologist Mr Myles Smith and colleagues recently published a new article in the International Journal of Experimental and Clinical Chemotherapy entitled ‘KIT Exon 9-Mutated Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours: Biology and Treatment’.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours (GISTs) are the commonest sarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract. They usually occur mainly in the stomach and then the small bowel. KIT exon 9-mutant GISTs represent a subtype of GIST distinct from other GISTs, including the more common KIT exon 11-mutant GISTs.
Here, Mr Smith and his colleagues review the unique and often poorly recognised molecular, biological and clinical characteristics that differentiate KIT exon 9-mutant GISTs from other GIST subtypes.
A better understanding of the molecular biology and clinical behaviour of KIT exon 9-mutant GISTs may help identify more improved treatment options.
You can read the published study here.
Can Too Much Sun Lead to Bowen’s Disease?
Bowen’s Disease, otherwise known as squamous cell carcinoma in situ, is an early form of skin cancer. Since it is easily treatable, it isn’t considered a serious condition. With that being said, if left untreated, it does have the potential to develop into something more sinister.
There are several factors that can contribute to Bowen’s Disease, including long-term sun exposure. Here, you’ll discover everything you need to know about Bowen’s Disease including its causes and treatment options.
What is Bowen’s Disease?
Bowen’s Disease is a type of cancer that develops in the outer layer of the skin. Typically, it isn’t serious and can be easily treated. However, if it goes undetected or untreated it can lead to squamous cell carcinoma. This is an invasive form of skin cancer that can prove deadly if not treated quickly enough.
Approximately 1 in 20-30 people with untreated Bowen’s Disease will go on to develop squamous cell carcinoma.
Causes and symptoms
Long-term exposure to the sun is known to be the main cause of Bowen’s Disease. Those who are taking immunosuppression medication long-term, are also at a greater risk of developing the condition. It isn’t thought to be hereditary, though those with fair skin and who are prone to sunburn also have a higher risk factor.
Many patients don’t experience any symptoms at all, though it largely presents as a patch on the skin. The patch could be pink or red, raised, or flat, crusty, or scaly, and it may or may not be itchy. You will notice that the patch doesn’t heal, and you may have more than one.
If cancer has spread and become more serious, it may turn into an open sore or a lump. If you notice any of these symptoms you should seek medical advice. Mr Myles Smith has extensive experience diagnosing and treating Bowen’s Disease as well as squamous cell carcinoma. During your consultation, he can help advise you on the best course of treatment.
Bowen’s Disease treatments
The good news is there are a lot of great treatments you can undergo to fight Bowen’s Disease. If it is caught early enough, you may be suitable for the following treatments:
With cryotherapy, the affected area of the skin is sprayed with liquid nitrogen. This freezes the skin, causing it to scab over before falling off in just a few weeks. This treatment is known to be painful, and you may notice the skin feels uncomfortable for a few days.
Alternatively, chemotherapy or imiquimod cream can be applied to the area. The cream will need to be applied regularly over the course of a few weeks. Before it improves, you may notice your skin becomes inflamed and red in colour.
With curettage and cautery, you will be given a local anaesthetic before the affected area of the skin is scraped away. Electricity or heat is used to stop any bleeding, and the area will scab over and fall off within a few weeks.
In some cases, surgery may be required to cut out the affected skin. 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.
Outcome After Treatment For Sebaceous Carcinoma – New Study Published
Surgical oncologist Mr Myles Smith and colleagues recently published a new study in the Journal of Surgical Oncology entitled ‘Outcome after treatment for sebaceous carcinoma: A multicenter study’.
Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is a rare and aggressive malignant tumour, and there is limited long-term data on the outcomes for patients. This study aimed to assess the outcome of patients treated with resection for SC.
The team at the Royal Marsden Hospital, alongside colleagues at three other referral centres in the Netherlands, looked at the treatment outcomes of 100 patients that were diagnosed with SC between 1990 and 2017.
They concluded that patients with positive resection margins and (peri)ocular tumour location are more frequently associated with a local recurrence. Patients with SC infrequently present with locoregional or distant metastases, resulting in a good overall survival.
You can read the published study here.
Epithelioid Sarcoma Collaborative Calls for Earlier Diagnosis
A new white paper has been published by Epithelioid Sarcoma Collaborative, addressing the challenges of those with this rare type of cancer. Currently, there is very little awareness of this type of cancer, mostly known to affect younger adults.
So, what is Epithelioid Sarcoma, what challenges do patients face, and what solutions did the white paper reveal? Find out everything you need to know below…
What is Epithelioid Sarcoma?
Epithelioid Sarcoma is a very rare form of slow-growing cancer. It affects the soft tissues, usually beginning in the hand, finger, forearm, foot, or lower leg. Starting out as a single painless lump, it often develops into multiple lumps by the time patient’s see their GP.
Occasionally, this type of cancer can present as ulcers that don’t heal. It tends to mostly occur in adolescents and young adults. There is an even rarer form of Epithelioid Sarcoma that mostly affects adults. This is known as large-cell Epithelioid Sarcoma.
While it starts out in a single location, it can spread to other parts of the body. It also has quite a high recurrence rate. Due to how rare this form of cancer is, it is better to seek help from an Epithelioid Sarcoma specialist.
What challenges does it present?
Patients with Epithelioid Sarcoma face a lot of challenges compared to those diagnosed with more common cancers. The main challenges include:
As Epithelioid Sarcoma is slow-growing, you often won’t realise there is something wrong until the condition progresses. When you do start to recognise the symptoms, it can be difficult to get a correct diagnosis.
As, it may be difficult to diagnose, in particular for primary carers, you should see advice if you have any of these symptoms: a lump that is 5cm or bigger (the short side of credit card), rapidly growing, deep, painful or recurrent
There is very little awareness about this type of cancer. While it may be rare, awareness does need to be raised to ensure patients get the help they need in a timely manner. While Epithelioid Sarcoma is slow-growing, it will spread to other areas if it isn’t treated.
These are the main challenges patients face when getting diagnosed and treated for this rare form of cancer. When it is diagnosed, there are effective treatment options available.
How is Epithelioid Sarcoma treated?
The recommended treatment option is a wide surgical resection. Marginal resection was once the preferred method, but it has shown to have a recurrence rate of 77%.
Wide surgical resection removes the entire cancerous area. It is recommended as a treatment option for cancer that hasn’t spread into the deeper tissues. In rare cases where recurrence keeps happening, the affected limb may need to be amputated. This will stop the cancer from spreading to other areas of the body.
Mr Myles Smith is an expert in the management of rare soft tissue sarcomas and is part of a specialist multidisciplinary team at the Royal Marsden Hospital (RMH). In fact, RMH Sarcoma Unit is one of the largest in the world.
If you are concerned about Epithelioid Sarcoma, call 020 7808 2785 to book a consultation with Mr Smith at the Royal Marsden Hospital. The earlier it is detected, the more successful treatment will be.
Don’t Forget to Wear Sunscreen This Winter
The weather may be colder and darker in the UK as winter sets in, but you still need to remember to wear sunscreen.
There is a common misconception that sunscreen only needs to be applied on hot summer days. However, the truth is the skin can still get damaged by UV rays even on cloudy days. Here, you’ll discover why it is still important to wear sunscreen this winter. You will also discover some key winter sun protection tips you can follow.
Understanding the dangers of UVA and UVB rays
Sunlight contains a few different types of rays. The two that penetrate through the earth’s surface are UVA and UVB rays.
UVA rays are known to penetrate deeply into the skin. They pose a risk for premature ageing, and there are said to be around 500 times more of them than UVB rays. However, UVB rays are the ones responsible for sunburn and skin cancer.
One of the biggest misconceptions about UVA and UVB rays is that they are blocked by clouds. The truth is, even on dull days, these rays penetrate through the cloud and pose the same risks to the skin. This makes it imperative to protect the skin all year round. Moreover, if snow falls, UVB rays reflect off it, causing them to hit your skin twice. UVA rays are also capable of penetrating through glass. This makes them dangerous even on sunny days spent indoors.
Winter sun protection tips
While a lot more of the skin is covered up in winter, there are some protection tips you’ll want to follow. These include:
Your face, neck, and head are all exposed to the elements during winter. To keep them protected, you can wear sunglasses on sunny days, wear a scarf, and protect the head with a wide-brimmed hat. If you can’t cover the areas, make sure they are protected with a good SPF lotion.
If your skin tends to become dry in winter, opting for a facial moisturiser with SPF 50 is a great choice. Remember, it will wear off throughout the day, so you’ll need to apply it several times. Focus on the areas that are often forgotten such as the hairline, above your ears, and around the eye area.
Finally, though you may long for that beautiful summer glow, it’s important to avoid using tanning beds. These pose the greatest risk to your health, known to greatly increase the risk of skin cancer.
If you do notice any changes in your skin over winter, it is important to get them checked out quickly. Changes in moles and skin discolouration should be treated with caution. Like any type of cancer, the earlier you catch skin cancer the higher the chance of it can be treated successfully.
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.