Welcome at the SKIN doctor
Skin cancer can be very well treated if diagnosed early.
We offer a full skin cancer service, with a risk assessment, mole mapping, microscopic full body examination and treatment, all in one clinic.
“Melanoma writes its message on the skin with its own ink, and it is there for all of us to see. Unfortunately some see, but do not comprehend”
Dr. Neville Davis
Treatment
There are many different ways to treat skin cancer.The best treatment depends on the type of skin cancer, the size, shape and location, and your specific risks for complications.
At the SKIN doctor we advice you on the least invasive treatment options with the highest cure rate and the most optimal cosmetic outcome.
Punch Biopsy
A small round ‘applebore’-like device of 3-5mm in diameter is used to take a sample of the lesion, to come to a diagnose and to make an appropriate treatment plan. Often this is used to prepare for surgery of more complex lesions on difficult locations or when the diagnose is not certain.
Shave Biopsy
A flat razor-like knife is used to shave the lesion off the skin. Often some electricity (diathermy) is used to kill the possible deeper cancer cells. This technique provides tissue to help with the diagnose, and is often the full treatment on itself. It may need monitoring to see if a cancer grows back.
Liquid Nitrogen
A very cold liquid of -196 degrees. It can be used to freeze off a superficial skin cancers or a pre-stage of skin cancer. Just like a burn it will form a blister or crust and healthy skin comes back after 2-4 weeks.
Skin Creams
Skin cancer creams (Efudix, Aldara) can sometimes be used for superficial skin cancer or pre-stages of skin cancer. They will have to be used for several weeks and often give a very intense reaction with inflammation (=redness, swelling, pain) of the skin. When the inflammation settles, healthy skin should come back. These creams do not work for deeper lesions, so monitoring of the lesion is often needed.
Surgery
Surgery is often the most effective way of treating skin cancer, with the highest cure rates. The cancer is taken out with a margin to prevent the cancer from coming back. The skin is then closed with sutures. Sometimes it is needed to mobilize a bit of skin (flap) next to the lesion to cover up the wound. Dr. Sebastiaan Klaver has completed specialist flap surgery training and can perform different flap techniques. If a lesion is too large or on a very difficult location we will advise a referral to a Surgeon or an Ear Nose and Throat doctor.
Other Treatments
By far the majority of skin cancer can be treated with the above techniques. We do not offer the more advanced treatments like Photo Dynamic Therapy, split skin grafts, large full thickness skin grafts or Mohs micrographic therapy, but we will refer you if that would be the best option for you.