At About Dermatology, our dermatologist is highly experienced and skilled in managing all types of skin cancers. Click on the following to find out more.
Skin Cancers
What are some common types of skin cancers?
The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma followed by squamous cell carcinoma. Although the incidence of melanoma in Singapore is relatively low, melanoma causes most of the deaths from skin cancer.
How are skin cancers diagnosed?
If you notice any unusual growth or patch on your skin, especially if it is getting bigger, you should have it assessed by a dermatologist. Regular skin cancer screening checks are also recommended for patients at high risk of skin cancers. If a skin cancer is suspected, your doctor may advise a biopsy of the growth or patch for microscopic examination. In some instances, it may be more appropriate for the entire lesion to be removed at the outset and sent for examination and confirmation of cancer. Your dermatologist will be able to advise you on the best option for checking and treatment.
How are skin cancers treated?
Most skin cancers can be cured by surgical excision. A specialised form of skin surgery to remove some types of skin cancer is Mohs micrographic surgery. Sometimes, surgery may not be possible and radiotherapy may be a more suitable alternative. Some superficial skin cancers may not need surgical treatment and can be managed by other treatment methods. This may involve cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen, topical therapy (creams) or photodynamic therapy.
How can I reduce my risk of getting skin cancer?
We can reduce our risk of getting skin cancer by the following ways
- Avoid tanning beds
- Be sun smart
- Avoid peak sunlight hours from 10-4pm if possible.
- If not, apply broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 and above when working or playing outdoors. Reapply every 2 hours if outdoors especially if you are wet.
- Wear sun protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hat or long-sleeved shirt and pants when outdoors.
- Be skin smart
- Examine your skin regularly. Look out for any unusual skin growths that may be brown, black, red or even skin coloured.
- Learn the danger signs of skin cancer and see a dermatologist early if you detect any new or changing moles or skin growths.
Teach your children about the risks of sun burn. Encourage them to wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen regularly when outdoors.
Mole Check and Skin Cancer Screening
Why do I need to check my moles?
Moles are small, coloured spots on the skin. Most moles are harmless. Most harmless moles are round or oval-shaped, with a smooth edge. Sometimes, they may have hairs growing out of them.
Some moles can be a sign of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Any new or changing mole, freckle or skin growth requires prompt medical attention. A simple way to remember the warning signs is to remember the A-B-C-D-Es of melanoma
• “A” stands for asymmetrical. Does the mole or spot have an irregular shape with two parts that look very different?
• “B” stands for border. Is the border irregular or jagged?
• “C” is for color. Is the color uneven?
• “D” is for diameter. Is the mole or spot larger than 6mm?
• “E” is for evolving. Has the mole or spot changed during the past few weeks or months?
Is it enough if I go for regular skin checks by my dermatologist?
Regular self-examination of your own skin is also important. Some skin cancers can grow rapidly and self-examinations are the best way to pick these up before they advance in stage. All areas of the skin should be inspected, including the hands, feet, genital areas and nails.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
What is Mohs micrographic surgery?
Mohs micrographic surgery is a precise form of surgery to remove certain skin cancers. Also known as Mohs surgery, it is named after the doctor who came up with it. During Mohs surgery, thin layers of cancer containing skin are removed in stages until only cancer-free skin remains. The aim of Mohs surgery is to remove all the skin cancer while minimising removal and damage of surrounding healthy tissue.
Why did the doctor offer me Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery is used to treat the most common skin cancers, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, as well as some other skin cancers. Your doctor may have recommended Mohs surgery for the following reason/s
- Tumour has returned or has a high risk of returning
- Tumour was removed incompletely
- Tumour is located in a location where you want to preserve as much healthy skin as possible such as the eyelid, nose, ear or lip
- Tumour edge is not well defined or large in size
- Aggressive type of tumour
Why should I have Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery increases the chance of cure and reduces the need for additional surgery or treatments. The ability to ‘see where the cancer stops’ gives Mohs surgery important advantages.
1) Mohs surgery has a high cure rate
2) Mohs surgery allows you to keep as much healthy skin as possible because the surgeon only removes the skin with cancer cells. This is especially important when skin cancer develops in an area with little tissue beneath (e.g. eyelid, ear or lip)
What happens during Mohs surgery?
The surgery is carried out under local anaesthesia. This anaesthetic only numbs the area of surgery and you will remain awake. If you are very anxious, we can give you a mild sedative. Your surgeon will first remove the visible tumour followed by a thin margin of surrounding skin. You are then bandaged so that you can wait in comfort in the waiting area. This tissue is then examined under a microscope while you are still in the clinic. If it contains cancer cells, another layer of tissue is removed and examined. Further layers of tissue that contain cancerous cells are removed, one layer at a time, until all the cancer cells have been removed. The local anaesthetic lasts for about 2 hours and can be topped up if needed.
After the tumour has been removed, there are several options for repairing the wound. These will be discussed with you before your surgery. Some options include
- Reconstruction and closure by the Mohs surgeon
- Dressed and then repaired by a plastic surgeon
- Leaving to heal on its own
How can I prepare for my surgery?
- Do cut down or stop smoking as many days before your Mohs surgery as possible.
One week before surgery
- Do check if you need to stop any of your regular medication or supplements.
On the day of the surgery
- Do shower and wash your hair before the surgery.
- Do have your breakfast before coming down.
- Do take your regular medication, especially hypertension (high blood pressure) medication before coming down to the clinic. You may have been instructed to stop certain medication, do not take these.
- Don’t put on makeup or jewellery.
- Don’t drive to the clinic.
Skin Cancer Treatment
What are some common types of skin cancers?
The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma followed by squamous cell carcinoma. Although the incidence of melanoma in Singapore is relatively low, melanoma causes most of the deaths from skin cancer.
How are skin cancers diagnosed?
If you notice any unusual growth or patch on your skin, especially if it is getting bigger, you should have it assessed by a dermatologist. Regular skin cancer screening checks are also recommended for patients at high risk of skin cancers. If a skin cancer is suspected, your doctor may advise a biopsy of the growth or patch for microscopic examination. In some instances, it may be more appropriate for the entire lesion to be removed at the outset and sent for examination and confirmation of cancer. Your dermatologist will be able to advise you on the best option for checking and treatment.
How are skin cancers treated?
Most skin cancers can be cured by surgical excision. A specialised form of skin surgery to remove some types of skin cancer is Mohs micrographic surgery. Sometimes, surgery may not be possible and radiotherapy may be a more suitable alternative. Some superficial skin cancers may not need surgical treatment and can be managed by other treatment methods. This may involve cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen, topical therapy (creams) or photodynamic therapy.