Skin Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment
When Should You Seek Specialist Advice?
You should arrange a dermatology consultation if you:
- ✓ Notice a mole or lesion that is changing
- ✓ Have a sore that does not heal
- ✓ Develop a new growth on your skin
- ✓ Notice bleeding, itching or crusting skin lesions
- ✓ Have concerns about previous skin cancer or significant sun exposure
Many skin changes are harmless, but early assessment by an experienced dermatologist is the best way to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment where required.
Skin Cancer
At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Condition | Skin Cancer |
| Focus | Early diagnosis and treatment |
| Consultation | Dermatologist-led assessment |
| Diagnostic Tools | Dermoscopy, biopsy, mole mapping |
| Treatment Options | Surgical excision, Mohs surgery, non-surgical therapies |
| Recovery | Depends on treatment |
| Follow-Up | Long-term skin monitoring available |
What Is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer develops when abnormal skin cells grow uncontrollably, often as a result of cumulative ultraviolet (UV) exposure over time.
Although skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide, it is also one of the most treatable when detected early. Ocean Clinic emphasises that prompt diagnosis significantly improves outcomes and may reduce the complexity of treatment required.
Types of Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer.
It may appear as:
- A pearly bump
- A persistent sore
- A shiny patch
- A scaly lesion
BCC rarely spreads elsewhere in the body but can grow locally and damage surrounding tissues if left untreated.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma is a faster-growing skin cancer that often develops on sun-exposed areas.
It may appear as:
- A rough scaly patch
- A crusted lesion
- A sore that does not heal
- An ulcerated growth
Early treatment is important to prevent progression.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer.
It can develop:
- Within an existing mole
- As a completely new lesion
- On any area of the body
Early detection is critical because melanoma can spread to other parts of the body if not treated promptly.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Patients should seek dermatology assessment if they notice:
- ✓ A changing mole
- ✓ A mole becoming asymmetrical
- ✓ Irregular borders
- ✓ Multiple colours within a lesion
- ✓ Rapid growth
- ✓ Bleeding or ulceration
- ✓ Persistent itching
- ✓ A lesion that looks different from surrounding moles
The ABCDE rule remains one of the most useful methods for recognising suspicious skin lesions.
How Is Skin Cancer Diagnosed?
Dermatology Consultation
Your consultation includes:
- Medical history review
- Assessment of risk factors
- Full skin examination
- Dermoscopic evaluation
Ocean Clinic uses dermoscopy to visualise structures beneath the skin surface and identify suspicious lesions more accurately.
Mole Mapping & Digital Monitoring
For patients with multiple moles or higher risk factors, Ocean Clinic may recommend:
- AI-powered mole mapping
- Digital lesion photography
- Long-term monitoring
This allows subtle changes to be identified over time.
Skin Biopsy
If a lesion appears suspicious, a biopsy may be recommended. This involves:
- Local anaesthetic
- Removal of part or all of the lesion
- Laboratory analysis by specialist pathologists
Ocean Clinic notes that biopsy is typically a quick outpatient procedure with results usually available within days.
Skin Cancer Treatment Options
Treatment depends on:
- Type of skin cancer
- Location
- Size
- Depth
- Individual patient factors
Surgical Excision
Surgical excision remains one of the most reliable treatments for many skin cancers.
The procedure involves:
- Removing the lesion
- Removing a safety margin of healthy tissue
- Histological analysis
Ocean Clinic highlights the importance of achieving complete removal while minimising visible scarring whenever possible.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Mohs surgery is considered the gold standard for selected skin cancers, particularly those located on the:
- Nose
- Eyelids
- Lips
- Ears
- Face
Benefits include:
- Highest cure rates
- Maximum tissue preservation
- Immediate microscopic analysis
- Optimal cosmetic outcomes
Ocean Clinic notes that Dr. Gabriela Casabona has specialised experience in Mohs surgery and skin cancer reconstruction.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Selected superficial skin cancers may be treated using:
- Cryotherapy
- Topical treatments
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT)
- Light-based therapies
These options are generally reserved for carefully selected cases.
Advanced Technology
Ocean Clinic combines specialist surgical expertise with modern medical technology to support accurate diagnosis, precise treatment and comfortable recovery.
Depending on the procedure, this may include advanced imaging, minimally invasive techniques, modern operating facilities and evidence-based treatment protocols designed to optimise patient safety and outcomes.
Prevention & Long-Term Monitoring
Successful treatment does not eliminate future risk.
Ocean Clinic recommends:
- ☆ Regular skin checks
- ☆ Mole mapping when appropriate
- ☆ Sun protection
- ☆ Self-examination
- ☆ Ongoing dermatology follow-up
Patients with previous skin cancer diagnoses often benefit from annual or bi-annual monitoring programmes.
Who Should Consider a Skin Cancer Check?
A skin cancer assessment may be particularly important if you:
- ☆ Have more than 50 moles
- ☆ Have a family history of melanoma
- ☆ Have had severe sunburns
- ☆ Have used tanning beds
- ☆ Have fair skin
- ☆ Have changing or unusual moles
- ☆ Have previously had skin cancer
These are all recognised risk factors highlighted by Ocean Clinic’s dermatology department.
Benefits of Early Detection
- ✓ Higher treatment success rates
- ✓ Less invasive treatment
- ✓ Smaller surgical procedures
- ✓ Better cosmetic outcomes
- ✓ Reduced risk of progression
- ✓ Greater peace of mind
Ocean Clinic strongly emphasises early diagnosis as the most important factor in successful skin cancer treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions - Skin Cancer
Book Your Private Consultation
Every treatment begins with a confidential consultation with one of our specialists. During your consultation we will:
- ✓ Assess your concerns
- ✓ Explain your treatment options
- ✓ Recommend the most appropriate approach
- ✓ Discuss recovery
- ✓ Answer all of your questions
Our team aims to respond to enquiries as quickly as possible during business hours.
Patient Experiences
Ocean Clinic is proud to care for patients from around the world.
Many patients choose to share their experience following treatment, describing not only their surgical results but also the care they received before, during and after their procedure.
★★★★★
“The professionalism and attention to detail were outstanding from my first consultation until my final follow-up.”
★★★★★
“I travelled from abroad and felt supported throughout every step of my journey.”
