Health Information: Skin
What is a mole?
Small dark marks on the skin caused by cells in the skin that produce pigment (colour). They are usually brownish, although some may be darker
Diagnostic excision
A lesion and a small amount of normal looking skin around it is removed. Stitches are used. You will typically have a straight-line scar that
Shave biopsy
During the biopsy, the surface of a lesion is shaved off. The roots of the lesion are not removed. The skin will heal from underneath
Incisional biopsy
A small eye-shaped piece of skin is removed. Stitches are used to close the area and you will have a small scar. The typical scar
Punch biopsy
During this procedure, a small round bladed instrument is used to remove a round core of tissue ranging from 3 to 8 millimetres in diameter.
Surgery (local anaesthetic)
If your consultant recommends a minor procedure under local anaesthetic, this is done at our day surgery unit within the clinic. They type of procedure
Types of skin cancer
Following your diagnosis your consultant will carry out further tests to identify the type of cancer you have and the extent of its spread. This
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy literally means ‘treatment using low temperature’ and refers to the removal of skin lesions by freezing them. The most common agent used by your consultant is liquid nitrogen.