Our highly qualified dermatologists conduct comprehensive diagnostics and treatment of the whole range of skin, hair and nail diseases, such as moles, psoriasis, acne, warts, eczema and all types of skin cancer. We also work with cosmetic dermatology specialists who deal with problems such as scars and age-related skin changes using intravenous injections and chemical peels.
Why you need to monitor your moles
Moles are local accumulations of pigment cells (melanocytes), which are brown, pink and rarely flesh coloured. They are both acquired and congenital. Congenital often have a more pronounced character and they are darker, whereas acquired moles may eventually become denser and hair may appear on their surface. (в русской версии ошибка между словом родинки – со временем)
Most moles are completely harmless and benign, but some of them can lead to the development of skin cancer, melanoma, which is becoming more common among people under 25 years old. If this disease is detected at an early stage, it can be easily curable and usually has a good prognosis.
It is important to regularly monitor any changes in shape, colour and size of your moles, and pay attention to the appearance of new ones. If you notice any changes, you urgently require an appointment with a consultant dermatologist. If necessary, your dermatologist will take a biopsy to rule out any malignancies.
Other reasons for moles removal
In some cases, moles can be removed for a number of other reasons, for example, for aesthetic purpose or because of the inconvenience associated with wearing clothes. Mole removal is a very quick and easy procedure performed under local anaesthesia. If a mole is removed for cosmetic reasons, it is important for the patient to discuss the risk of scarring with their dermatologist, and this is especially relevant for the face and other exposed skin areas.
Dermatological treatment methods
Cryosurgery is used for the treatment of various skin lesions, including warts, seborrheic keratosis and actinic keratoses by applying liquid nitrogen to the affected area.
Surgical intervention – most commonly this will be mole removal performed under local anaesthetic.
Injections to improve the appearance of scars and scars.
Dermatologists also treat skin rashes, nail infections, hair loss and skin allergies (e.g. eczema).
Laser treatments
Different laser techniques can help with a range of dermatological conditions, such as:
- warts
- sunburns
- papillomavirus
- keloid scars
- melasma
- perioral dermatitis
- birthmarks
- rosacea
- varicose veins
Treatment of melanoma (skin cancer)
We work with dermatologic surgeons who use modern and reliable techniques to treat skin cancer, such as Moss micrographic surgery (to remove skin cancer that occurs on the face or other sensitive skin areas) and photodynamic therapy (PDT), which are highly effective and virtually free of side effects and complications.
Skin cancer treatment in more detail
Department of Skin Cancer at Royal Marsden Hospital
The Skin Cancer Centre at Royal Marsden has earned an international reputation for the treatment of melanoma, one of the most dangerous and fast-spreading types of cancer. Every year more than 1000 people with different types and stages of skin cancer undergo treatment here under close supervision of a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, medical oncologists and nurses. The department includes a centre for express diagnostics and offers a wide range of modern treatment methods including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. “We can examine the patient, scan them, take a biopsy and see the results all on the same day,” says Dr Louise Fearfield, consultant dermatologist at The Royal Marsden.
Mole mapping
“Mole mapping is especially useful for people at elevated risk of malignant melanoma. Some people have a lot of moles, and the new system effectively tracks any occurring changes. This means that melanoma can be detected at a very early stage when treatment is most effective and prevents the removal of harmless moles,” comments Royal Marsden consultant dermatologist Dr Christopher Harland.
Surgery and observation
Mr Kieran Power, consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon, works in close cooperation with dermatologists at the Royal Marsden. “I observe patients with the most complex cases of skin cancer who need plastic reconstruction, including that on the face. I use different surgical methods such as localised transplants. The goal is to cut out all malignant tissue and achieve the best functional and aesthetic result,” says Mr Power.
For patients with melanoma, Royal Marsden offers a biopsy of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNB) and ultrasound observations. “Sentinel lymph nodes are the first place where melanoma can spread,” explains the surgeon. “The test is conducted under general anaesthesia, allowing us to see any signs of microscopic spread of cancer to the lymph nodes.”
Isolated perfusion of the limbs
Royal Marsden is the only oncological centre in England offering isolated limb perfusion (ILP) for removal of disseminated melanoma that spread to the extremities. ILP is performed under general anaesthesia and involves the isolated treatment of limbs alone with chemotherapeutic drugs at doses that the rest of the body is unable to withstand.
“Because melanoma can spread to the limbs, one in 10 patients is affected by outbreaks gradually spreading higher up the limbs – known as a transitory disease – before cancer enters the lymph nodes,” says Andrew Hayes, head of Department of Dermatology and clinical head of the department of rare cancers at Royal Marsden.
Hayes adds: “Cutting or laser treatment of cancer lesions is the first treatment option. But if there are numerous or large foci of the disease – from 1 cm to 3 cm – we can perform the ILP procedure. When treating this form of cancer, this technology is very effective in preventing amputation of limbs and replacing it with chemotherapy. “
Immunotherapy T-VEC
Patients with inoperable progressive melanoma at Royal Marsden are offered T-VEC immunotherapy. A new technique kills cancer using the natural immune response, so that the body itself recognises and destroys melanoma cells. This innovative treatment was developed by researchers and clinicians at Royal Marsden Hospital and the Institute of Cancer Research under the guidance of Professor Kevin Harrington.
If you wish to get more information about diagnostics and treatment at The Royal Marsden, or if you wish to make an appointment with a Royal Marsden consultant, please get in touch with AngloMedical by filling in the enquiry form on the website or calling us on 0203 808 3629.