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Skin cancer Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, December 2008.

Answers to questions about skin cancer

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

How is a skin biopsy carried out?

A sample of your skin is removed and then examined under a microscope to see whether you have cancer. A skin biopsy can be done in several different ways.

Explanation

If the area of skin that your GP suspects could be skin cancer is small, it may be possible for a skin biopsy to be done at your GP surgery. However, this is only possible if there is a minor operations unit at the surgery. If there isn't one, you will be referred to a dermatologist (a doctor specialising in skin conditions) who will carry out the biopsy instead. If your GP suspects that you may have a melanoma, you will need to be referred to a dermatologist to have the whole mole removed.

You will be given a local anaesthetic before your biopsy. This will be injected into the area of skin where the biopsy is going to take place. Once the area is numb, your doctor will cut out a sample of your skin. This can be done in several different ways:

  • A shave biopsy - only the top layer of your skin is removed - it's 'shaved off'.
  • A punch biopsy - the doctor will remove a deeper sample of your skin as a small circular piece.
  • An incisional biopsy - the doctor will use a surgical knife called a scalpel to remove the skin sample. The sample will be of the full thickness of your skin.
  • An excisional biopsy, the whole area which could be cancer is removed, instead of just a sample. Some of your healthy surrounding skin will also be removed to try to make sure that the cancer is completely got rid of. This is also done using a scalpel.

If you have had an incisional or excisional biopsy, you will be given some stitches to sew up the wound. The stitches will usually need to stay in place for between a week and two weeks. You may have dissolvable stitches which disappear on their own, but if not, you will have to go back to the doctor to have the stitches removed.

Your skin sample will be sent to a laboratory, where it will be examined under a microscope to see whether or not you have cancer. You will get the results of the biopsy about two to three weeks later.

If your skin sample is found to contain cancerous cells, you will need to have the whole area of skin removed. You may also need to have some more tests to make sure that the cancer hasn't spread to other parts of your body.

Further information

Sources

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How will my skin be replaced after the skin cancer has been removed?

Your skin will usually be sewn up using stitches. You may need to have a skin graft or skin flap if you have had a large area of skin removed.

Explanation

Skin cancer can usually be treated by simply removing the cancer. However, some of the surrounding healthy tissue also needs to be removed to make sure that the cancer has completely gone. The amount of healthy tissue that needs to be removed will depend on how big the skin cancer is. Up to 15mm of healthy skin may have to be removed if the area of skin cancer is large. Your doctor will sew up the wound with stitches after the skin has been removed. Your skin may feel a bit tight to start with, but it will stretch and loosen up as it starts to heal.

If a very big area of your skin has been removed, you may need to have a skin graft. This is a procedure where a thin sheet of skin is taken from another area of your body and placed over the area the cancer was removed from. It's usually held in place with stitches. The skin will be taken from a place that isn't too visible, such as the inside of your thigh, where it will grow back quickly. The area where the skin was taken from will look like a large graze until it has healed. The area where the skin was replaced may look different from your surrounding skin and may be a slightly different colour.

Another way of replacing the skin is with a skin flap. This is where a piece of your skin near to the wound is moved across to cover the wound and is held in place with stitches.

Further information

Sources

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What are the chances of skin cancer coming back after I've had it once?

If you have already had skin cancer once, you're at a higher risk of getting it again.

Explanation

Because you're at a higher risk of skin cancer you will need to be particularly careful in the sun. You should avoid going out in the sun when it's at its strongest (between 10am and 2pm) and always wear a high factor sun cream.

After your skin cancer has been removed you will need to have regular check-ups with your doctor. He or she will examine your scar to make sure that the cancer hasn't come back and check for any other possible skin cancer. He or she will also examine your neck, groin and armpits to check that the cancer hasn't spread to any of your lymph nodes.

Further information

Sources

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Should I use sun cream that protects me against both UVA and UVB radiation?

Yes, you should use a sun cream that protects you from both types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Explanation

UV radiation is given out by the sun. Small amounts of UV radiation are good for you and provide you with vitamin D. However, exposure to the sun over a longer period of time can cause damage to your skin. This can sometimes develop into skin cancer.

The UV radiation that reaches the earth can be divided into two different types - UVA and UVB. You should use a sun cream that protects you against both UVA and UVB radiation. It should say this on the bottle, or it may say 'broad spectrum' instead.

The sun protection factor (SPF) of a sun cream only tells you how much protection the cream provides against UVB rays. UVA protection is sometimes shown with a star rating between zero and five, with five stars being the highest level of protection. However this is only a guide and the level of UVA protection is also affected by the SPF of the sun cream. You should always wear a sun cream of at least SPF 15 and re-apply it every two hours.

Further information

Sources

  • Ultraviolet radiation. World Health Organization. www.who.int, accessed 8 August 2008
  • Health effects of UV radiation. World Health Organization. www.who.int, accessed 8 August 2008
  • Preventing skin cancer. Cancer Research UK. www.cancerhelp.org.uk, accessed 7 August 2008
  • Sunshine and health - how to enjoy the sun safely. World Health Organization. www.who.int, accessed 8 August 2008
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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: December 2008

 

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