Skin cancer is a medical concern that affects a large number of people, but with expert care and early detection, the prognosis is often excellent. When a suspicious lesion or mole is found, getting a precise diagnosis and effective treatment is the most important step. In London, Dr Tabi Leslie offers comprehensive skin cancer diagnosis and treatment, providing patients with a clear pathway to recovery. Dr Leslie offers the skin cancer treatment London patients seek through her private practice.
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is an abnormal, uncontrolled growth of skin cells. It is most commonly caused by DNA damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, whether from the sun or artificial sources like sunbeds. Understanding the main types of skin cancer is key to identifying potential signs early.
The three primary types are:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): This is the most common and least dangerous form of skin cancer. BCCs typically appear as a shiny, pearly lump or a flat, red, scaly patch on sun-exposed areas of the body. They grow slowly and rarely spread to other organs, but they can damage surrounding tissue if left untreated.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): The second most common type. SCCs often present as a firm, red lump with a scaly or crusted surface.
- Melanoma: This is the least common but most serious type of skin cancer. Melanoma can develop from an existing mole or appear as a new dark spot.
Expert Skin Cancer Treatment with Dr Tabi Leslie
As a Consultant Dermatologist with a specialisation in moles and skin cancer, Dr Tabi Leslie provides expert care from diagnosis through to treatment and long-term surveillance.
Her approach begins with a precise diagnosis. She performs a thorough skin examination, often using a dermatoscope to get a magnified view of the lesion’s structure. If a lesion is suspicious, she will take a biopsy to get an accurate diagnosis and confirm the type of skin cancer.
Dr Leslie then develops a personalised treatment plan based on the type, size, and location of the tumour. Treatment options she provides include:
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- Surgical Excision: This is the standard and most effective treatment for most skin cancers. The procedure involves surgically removing the tumour along with a small margin of healthy tissue to ensure all cancerous cells are cleared.
- Non-Surgical Treatments: For some superficial skin cancers and pre-cancerous lesions, you can consider non-surgical options. These can include topical chemotherapy creams or immune-response modifiers that are applied directly to the lesion. Another effective option is photodynamic therapy (PDT), which involves applying a photosensitive cream to the area and then activating it with a special light source.
- Follow-up and Surveillance: Dr Leslie provides ongoing surveillance to monitor the treated area and the rest of the skin for any signs of recurrence or new lesions. This commitment to long-term care helps to ensure your continued skin health.
Appointments for Skin Cancer Treatment London
Dr Tabi Leslie sees private patients for skin cancer diagnosis and treatment at several convenient London locations. If you have a suspicious mole or lesion, acting quickly is important. To arrange a professional assessment with Dr Tabi Leslie in London, contact your preferred clinic location.