SKIN CANCER ESSEX — MAKTARE
Skin cancer cases make up the majority of Mr Tare’s clinical practice, both in the NHS and privately. He is a key member of the North Essex NHS Trust’s Skin Cancer Multi Disciplinary Team. He adheres to the National recommendations for the care and follow-up of skin cancer patients. He is actively interested in GP education and has given presentations to related organizations on current skin cancer management.
A lesion on the skin that grows quickly, changes color, has an irregular border, bleeds, itches, or changes rapidly is suspicious and should be examined by a plastic surgeon who specializes in skin cancer as soon as possible.
In the vast majority of cases, we will be able to make a clinical determination as to whether the lesion is cancerous and, if so, what form of skin cancer it is. If we are unsure of the diagnosis based on the look of the lesion, a tiny biopsy is performed under local anesthesia to get a histological (laboratory) diagnosis before proceeding with therapy.
The common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma.
A basal cell carcinoma is usually localized and does not spread to other regions of the body.
If left untreated, squamous cell carcinoma can spread to the lymph nodes and, in rare cases, the bloodstream.
A malignant melanoma can spread to other regions of the body through lymph nodes or the bloodstream.
We will arrange for the removal of the lesion after a skin cancer diagnosis has been obtained. Depending on the magnitude of the lesion and the type of repair required, this surgery may be performed under local anesthesia or under general anesthesia.
Small lesions can be excised and the skin immediately closed, leaving a straight line scar. Larger lesions may necessitate treatment with a skin transplant from another region of the body or a skin flap from another place.
Under Cancer Type, a good place to start is http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk. This website was created by physicians, nurses, and patients to convey the available information about skin cancer in a legible and non-sensationalized way. It will provide you a thorough background on why particular therapies or tests are being performed, as well as what to expect during your therapy.
