- The most common skin cancer in humans is Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), accounting for approximately 80% of all skin cancers. BCC affects the basal cells at the bottom of the epidermis. These tend to be slow growing cancers, with low risk of metastasis, and high recovery rates[2].
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer in the UK, affecting cells in the outer layer of the skin. As with BCCs, SCCs are slow growing, with low risk of metastasis providing they are not left untreated for prolonged periods of time[3].
- Malignant melanoma accounts for roughly 4% of all diagnosed skin cancers, and is sometimes referred to as “the most lethal form of skin cancer”, due to its capacity to rapidly spread to the lymph system and internal organs. It affects the melanocytes (the cells that give skin its colour)[4]. Catching this type of cancer early is key to recovery.
- Other, less common skin cancers, include: Merkel cell carcinoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma and cutaneous lymphoma.
- SkinCheck: a complete skin examination, including detailed mole examination, for anyone concerned about new or growing moles. Patients receive their results within 5 days of being seen by our consultant skin specialist
- OneStop: Once it has been established that a patient has a mole that needs to be removed, they are able to book an appointment at one of Check4Cancers OneStop clinics where the mole will be removed and sent to a pathologist for interpretation.
[1]http://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/SkinInformation/SkinCancer.aspx [2]https://www.skinhealthuk.com/skin-cancer-information/ [3]https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/skin-cancer/understanding-cancer/skin-cancer-types.html [4]https://www.skinhealthuk.com/skin-cancer-information/ [5]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21135266