Star Hugh Jackman has urged his fans and followers to wear sunscreen and get a skin check. It comes after the Australian Wolverine and X-Men star got the results from a recent biopsy.
The actor, aged 52, was diagnosed in 2013 with Basal cell carcinoma. He has since been treated six times for skin cancer and his latest results came back as inconclusive. Now, he is trying to raise awareness of the condition and encourage people to be vigilant when it comes to protecting their skin.
Here, we look at what Basal cell carcinoma is, as well as the best ways to keep your skin protected.
What is Basal cell carcinoma?
Basal cell carcinoma is a non-melanoma type of skin cancer. It is known to be the most common type of skin cancer in the UK, making up over 80% of skin cancer cases.
You can develop Basal cell carcinoma anywhere on the body, though it is more common in sun-exposed areas. Exposure to UV rays is the most common cause, and it also develops more in those with light coloured skin.
This type of cancer is not thought to be hereditary, and it has a high treatment success rate. However, like all cancers it is important to catch Basal cell carcinoma as early as possible.
What are the symptoms of Basal cell carcinoma?
If you hope to detect this type of skin cancer early, it’s important to understand the symptoms to watch out for. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, there are five warning signs you can watch out for. These include:
Open sores that don’t heal – If you have a sore that doesn’t seem to heal, it could be Basal cell carcinoma. Also pay attention to sores that heal but then open up again. The sore may ooze, crust, or bleed.
A shiny nodule or bump – You may notice a clear or pearly coloured lump or nodule on the skin. They can also present as white, black, brown, or red.
A red, irritated area – Sometimes it can cause red patches of skin or irritated areas. It may also be accompanied by itching, pain, or crusty skin.
A scar like area – If the skin has a waxy, yellow, or white coloured car like area, it could indicate a more invasive form of the cancer. The affected skin will appear taut and shiny.
A tiny pink growth – Some patients develop a tiny pink growth that appears slightly raised on the skin. It may have a crusted indentation within its centre and over time, small blood vessels may develop.
Taking care of your skin in the sun
The best way to prevent Basal cell carcinoma is to protect your skin in the sun. This means wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen, with an SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. Other tips include staying out of the sun in peak hours, covering up the skin where you can, and wearing sunglasses and a hat to protect the eyes and scalp. You can find more useful advice in this patient leaflet.
Surgical treatment
Protecting your skin against UV rays is a key part of prevention. However, if you have been diagnosed with this skin cancer, having the right type of surgery is essential. The earlier you undergo treatment, the more likely the chance of success.
Mr Myles Smith has extensive experience diagnosing and treating Basal cell carcinoma. The type of surgical treatment you’ll need will depend upon the location and size of the tumour, but the most common surgery is a wide local excision. Usually, this means cutting away the Basal cell carcinoma, along with some skin around it, using a local anaesthetic injection to numb the skin. The skin is closed with a few stitches, but sometimes you will also need a skin graft.
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.
Are Incisional Hernias After Surgery Harmless?
Undergoing any type of surgery carries a small risk of complications. There are a variety of things that can occur when you go under the knife. If you have had abdominal surgery, one complication you might experience is the development of an incisional hernia.
Here, we’ll look at what incisional hernias are, the symptoms to watch out for, and whether they are harmful to your health.
What are incisional hernias?
Incisional hernias can occur after abdominal surgery. Part of the surrounding organs or abdominal tissue pushes through the weakened abdominal wall. This causes a visible lump to appear. They tend to develop around the incision site, and they may not present for up to a year following the surgery.
Most of the time, this type of hernia isn’t serious. This means treatment isn’t always required. However, this will depend upon the size of the hernia and its severity. It is also worth noting that incisional hernias are more common in patients who had vertical incisions. The risk of developing an incisional hernia after surgery varies from 1-33% and may be related to specific patient factors and factors related to the surgical approach.
Symptoms to watch out for
If you have undergone abdominal surgery, the key things to look out for that may point to an incisional hernia include:
If you have these symptoms and you have had abdominal surgery in the last year, it could point to an incisional hernia.
When might an incisional hernia be harmful?
The majority of incisional hernias aren’t dangerous. However, if they aren’t treated, they do have the potential to grow larger and become a real problem.
Larger hernias can lead to trouble with movement or breathing. They can also cause obstruction, or become strangulated, leading to a potentially life-threatening situation. For this reason, it is always recommended that incisional hernias are assessed when they are identified, and need surgery or observation. The smaller they are, the easier they are to treat too.
Who is most at risk of an incisional hernia?
Incisional hernias can occur in any patient who undergoes abdominal surgery. However, there are some factors that are known to increase the risk.
If you attempt to strenuously lift something shortly after the surgery, or exercise vigorously, this greatly increases the risk of a hernia. Pregnancy and weight gain are also known to increase the risk, alongside smoking, Diabetes, wound infection and older age.
It is important to understand the risks and be cautious when recovering from abdominal surgery. If a hernia does develop, getting it treated will ensure you don’t have anything to worry about further down the line.
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.
Men Versus Melanoma – Are Men Losing the Fight with Skin Cancer?
A recent study has shown that men are more at risk of dying from skin cancer than women. Shockingly, it was revealed that white adolescents and young males were twice as likely to die from cancer than women of the same age.
So, why does skin cancer pose more of a risk for men and what should you know about this deadly disease? Find out everything you need to know below.
Why does skin cancer impact men harder than women?
There are a few reasons why skin cancer may impact men harder than women. A significant issue may be that men have less knowledge of the condition, and they may not take as many precautions.
As men don’t tend to have as much knowledge about skin cancer, they are less likely than women to take preventative measures. There is also the fact that many women’s skincare products and cosmetics come with SPF. Men’s skincare doesn’t typically include additional sun protection.
There are also differences in men’s skin. Men are known to have thicker skin with less fat stored underneath. They also have more elastin and collagen. According to a study carried out in the Netherlands, UV rays have a more intense reaction on men’s skin than they do on women’s skin. Furthermore, there is also some evidence to suggest that women’s skin is better at repairing itself.
These factors combined can greatly increase the risk of skin cancer in men. So, what is skin cancer and what should men do to protect themselves?
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer, or Melanoma, is caused by the UV rays of the sun. This means it tends to develop more on sun-exposed areas of skin. There are several different types of skin cancer you can develop including:
Melanoma is considered the more serious type of skin cancer. It develops within the melanin cells and can be detected by watching out for changes in any moles on the skin. Basal cell carcinoma develops in the basal cells, whereas Squamous cell carcinoma develops in the Squamous cells.
If you notice any changes in your skin, it is important to get them checked out as soon as possible. While not all cases of skin cancer can be prevented, there are things you can do to minimise the risks.
Top melanoma prevention tips
The number one way to protect yourself against skin cancer is to use sun protection. The higher the SPF sunscreen you use, the more protection it will give the skin. You should also aim to stay out of the sun during peak times. Mr Smith recommends using SPF 50.
Taking measures to protect the skin from the sun’s UV rays can significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer. Pay attention to your skin and any changes. The earlier skin cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat.
Mr Myles Smith is an advisor for Melanoma UK. If you are concerned about any changes to your skin, call 020 7808 2785 to book a consultation with Mr Myles Smith at the Royal Marsden Hospital.
Wear Sunscreen and Get a Skin Check Says Hugh Jackman
Star Hugh Jackman has urged his fans and followers to wear sunscreen and get a skin check. It comes after the Australian Wolverine and X-Men star got the results from a recent biopsy.
The actor, aged 52, was diagnosed in 2013 with Basal cell carcinoma. He has since been treated six times for skin cancer and his latest results came back as inconclusive. Now, he is trying to raise awareness of the condition and encourage people to be vigilant when it comes to protecting their skin.
Here, we look at what Basal cell carcinoma is, as well as the best ways to keep your skin protected.
What is Basal cell carcinoma?
Basal cell carcinoma is a non-melanoma type of skin cancer. It is known to be the most common type of skin cancer in the UK, making up over 80% of skin cancer cases.
You can develop Basal cell carcinoma anywhere on the body, though it is more common in sun-exposed areas. Exposure to UV rays is the most common cause, and it also develops more in those with light coloured skin.
This type of cancer is not thought to be hereditary, and it has a high treatment success rate. However, like all cancers it is important to catch Basal cell carcinoma as early as possible.
What are the symptoms of Basal cell carcinoma?
If you hope to detect this type of skin cancer early, it’s important to understand the symptoms to watch out for. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, there are five warning signs you can watch out for. These include:
Open sores that don’t heal – If you have a sore that doesn’t seem to heal, it could be Basal cell carcinoma. Also pay attention to sores that heal but then open up again. The sore may ooze, crust, or bleed.
A shiny nodule or bump – You may notice a clear or pearly coloured lump or nodule on the skin. They can also present as white, black, brown, or red.
A red, irritated area – Sometimes it can cause red patches of skin or irritated areas. It may also be accompanied by itching, pain, or crusty skin.
A scar like area – If the skin has a waxy, yellow, or white coloured car like area, it could indicate a more invasive form of the cancer. The affected skin will appear taut and shiny.
A tiny pink growth – Some patients develop a tiny pink growth that appears slightly raised on the skin. It may have a crusted indentation within its centre and over time, small blood vessels may develop.
Taking care of your skin in the sun
The best way to prevent Basal cell carcinoma is to protect your skin in the sun. This means wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen, with an SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. Other tips include staying out of the sun in peak hours, covering up the skin where you can, and wearing sunglasses and a hat to protect the eyes and scalp. You can find more useful advice in this patient leaflet.
Surgical treatment
Protecting your skin against UV rays is a key part of prevention. However, if you have been diagnosed with this skin cancer, having the right type of surgery is essential. The earlier you undergo treatment, the more likely the chance of success.
Mr Myles Smith has extensive experience diagnosing and treating Basal cell carcinoma. The type of surgical treatment you’ll need will depend upon the location and size of the tumour, but the most common surgery is a wide local excision. Usually, this means cutting away the Basal cell carcinoma, along with some skin around it, using a local anaesthetic injection to numb the skin. The skin is closed with a few stitches, but sometimes you will also need a skin graft.
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 Causes Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Like any cancer, being diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma can be both confusing and concerning. However, thanks to advancements in diagnosis and treatment, outcomes have improved significantly in recent years, and surgery plays a key role.
In the UK, 1,500 people were diagnosed with this severe form of skin cancer between 1999 and 2008. And although the incidence of getting it is increasing each year, it is estimated that 70% of patients with localised Merkel cell carcinoma are still alive within five years after treatment.
So, what is Merkel cell carcinoma and what causes it? Discover everything you need to know below…
What is Merkel cell carcinoma?
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare type of skin cancer. Also known as a neuroendocrine tumour of the skin, it is known to have a high recurrence rate.
Situated in the skin’s top layer, Merkel cells connect to the nerves. The tumours that present due to Merkel cell carcinoma aren’t as distinctive as those caused by other skin cancers. They can appear as a skin-coloured lump, though they can also appear red, bluish-red, or purple in colour. It is considered one of the more dangerous cancers due to how quickly it can spread.
What causes it?
Due to how rare it is, the cancer has been difficult to study. This means its exact cause isn’t currently known. However, there are some known risk factors that have been linked to the condition. These include:
As Merkel cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer, exposure to UV rays is one of the biggest risks. This includes rays from direct sunlight, and from tanning beds.
The cancer is also more common in those with a history of other cancers such as Squamous cell carcinoma and Basal cell carcinoma. If you have a weakened immune system, you are also more likely to develop Merkel cell carcinoma. This includes if you have HIV, or if you are taking immune response suppressant drugs.
This type of cancer develops more in those with light coloured skin. It is more prevalent in those who are aged over 50, though you can develop it at any age.
The Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCP) is also known to link to cancer. However, a high percentage of people have the virus without developing Merkel cell carcinoma.
Your treatment options
Treatment will depend upon its presentation and extent. The options for treatment include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Often a combination of treatments is required for best results.
Surgery is a particularly effective option, and it may include procedures such as a local excision, sentinel node biopsy and lymph node dissection. To determine which type of treatment is right for you, you will need to undergo a consultation with a specialist.
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.
NHS cancer campaign raises awareness of early detection of GIST
Spearheaded by Stephen Fry, who was diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer a few years ago, the NHS has launched a campaign to encourage people with cancer symptoms to come forward for a potentially lifesaving check-up.
The impact of COVID on the NHS and how we interact with it has been profound and recent research indicated that three in five people are concerned about burdening the NHS, with 49% saying they would currently delay seeking medical advice. This is particularly concerning when it comes to cancer as, in most cases, early detection is key to successful treatment.
In a recent video, Stephen and other cancer sufferers talk the symptoms they’d experienced and what prompted them to visit their GP or cancer specialist. Alongside more common cancers, Sarah talked about her experience after being diagnosed with a GIST, or tumour in her small intestine.
What are the symptoms of GIST you should be looking out for?
Often you may not experience any symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Signs of a GIST may include:
GIST is a much less well known form of cancer so, as Mr Myles Smith, Consultant Surgical Oncologist at the Royal Marsden comments. “It’s great to see the @NHS and @GISTUK raising awareness of early detection of cancer, and GIST in the UK.”
For more advice on the symptoms of GIST and treatment options, call 020 7808 2785 to arrange a consultation.