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Kara Heelan
  • Welcome
  • About Dr Heelan
  • General and Medical Dermatology
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    • Premalignant Conditions Diagnosis and Treatment
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  • SKIN CANCER DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

    If you’re concerned about any skin changes, then you should seek immediate advice and diagnosis from a dermatologist to ensure you receive the care you require.

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    Mole Checks London Slider
  • Mole Checks London Slider

Skin Cancer Diagnosis AND Treatment

If you’re concerned about any skin changes, then you should seek immediate advice and diagnosis from a dermatologist to ensure you receive the care you require.

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The skin cancers which are most commonly diagnosed in a dermatology clinic are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (non-melanoma skin cancers) and melanoma. The top layer of the skin is called the epidermis. This epidermis contains basal cells, squamous cells and melanocytes. The types of skin cancer are defined by the cells from which they are derived.

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

Non-melanoma skin cancers are the most common cancers. They refer to skin cancers that are not melanoma. The two most frequently diagnosed skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas.

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinomas are derived from basal cells in the bottom layer of the epidermis. They are slow growing and it is extremely rare for them to spread to other parts of the body. However, they can grow and cause local destruction.

They most commonly occur on sun-exposed sites. There are many different types but the most common type presents as a shiny smooth spot which gradually enlarges and ulcerates (a non-healing part) in the centre. These often present as bleeding non-healing lesions.

Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment London

Squamous cell carcinoma 

Squamous cell carcinomas are derived from squamous cells of the epidermis. They also occur in sun-exposed areas but can occur in non-exposed areas and in sites that have been subject to trauma or inflammation over a long period of time e.g. a chronic ulcer.

The typical squamous cell carcinoma is a small lump in the skin which often has a crust overlying it and can ulcerate. They are sometimes painful and can rapidly grow. This type of skin cancer can spread so it is important to identify them early.

Squamous cell carcinoma treatment London

Melanoma

Melanoma is derived from melanocytes which are cells that produce melanin, or pigment-producing cells, in the bottom layer of the epidermis. Melanoma is a dangerous form of skin cancer which has the potential to spread to other parts of the body if it is not treated early. The best chance of cure is by surgical excision at the earliest stage possible.

Melanoma can occur in a pre-existing mole or can occur as a new spot, freckle or mole. Something on your skin that is changing should be reported to your doctor. A shape in colour or shape can be important however it is important to remember that while most moles are darkly pigmented, they can also occur with no pigment so be vigilant for pink, red or skin-coloured lesions that are new, changing or not going away. Melanomas can occur anywhere on the body, not just on sun-exposed areas.

Melanoma Treatment London

Rare tumours

There are many other types of cancers which can affect the skin. These include such tumours as merkel cell carcinoma, atypical fibroxanthoma, primary adenocarcinomas, sebaceous gland carcinoma and pilomatrix carcinomas.

Skin Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

For new, changing or non-healing lesions

  • Stage one

    Appointment

    Contact a dermatologist if you are concerned about a skin lesion

  • Stage two

    Full skin check

    A comprehensive examination of your skin

  • Stage three

     

    Dermoscopy

    A magnifying lens is used to evaluate specific lesions

  • Stage four

     

    Biopsy

    Skin examination under the microscope if deemed necessary

BAD PATIENT INFO WEBSITE

The Royal Marsden Hospital

Fulham Road
London
SW3 6JJ

  • 020 8661 3372
  • Tracey Cooper: KaraheelanPA@rmh.nhs.uk
  • Get Directions

The Royal Marsden
Sutton

Downs Road
Sutton
SM2 5PT

  • 020 8661 3372
  • Tracey Cooper: KaraheelanPA@rmh.nhs.uk
  • Get Directions

Chelsea Outpatient
Centre

280 King’s Road
London
SW3 5AW

  • 020 3494 4024
  • Sharifa Haibatan: karaheelanpa@hcahealthcare.co.uk
  • Get Directions

Sydney Street Outpatients & Diagnostic Centre

102 Sydney Street
London
SW3 6NR

  • 020 3494 4024
  • Sharifa Haibatan: karaheelanpa@hcahealthcare.co.uk
  • Get Directions
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Maps were disabled by the visitor on this site. Click to open the map in a new window.
Maps were disabled by the visitor on this site. Click to open the map in a new window.
Maps were disabled by the visitor on this site. Click to open the map in a new window.

The Royal Marsden Hospital

Fulham Road
London
SW3 6JJ

  • 020 8661 3372
  • Tracey Cooper: KaraheelanPA@rmh.nhs.uk
  • Get Directions
Maps were disabled by the visitor on this site. Click to open the map in a new window.

The Royal Marsden
Sutton

Downs Road
Sutton
SM2 5PT

  • 020 8661 3372
  • Tracey Cooper: KaraheelanPA@rmh.nhs.uk
  • Get Directions
Maps were disabled by the visitor on this site. Click to open the map in a new window.

Chelsea Outpatient
Centre

280 King’s Road
London
SW3 5AW

  • 020 3494 4024
  • Sharifa Haibatan: karaheelanpa@hcahealthcare.co.uk
  • Get Directions
Maps were disabled by the visitor on this site. Click to open the map in a new window.

Sydney Street Outpatients & Diagnostic Centre

102 Sydney Street
London
SW3 6NR

  • 020 3494 4024
  • Sharifa Haibatan: karaheelanpa@hcahealthcare.co.uk
  • Get Directions
Maps were disabled by the visitor on this site. Click to open the map in a new window.

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Photographs of Dr Kara Heelan and the Royal Marsden Hospital Chelsea and the Royal Marsden Sutton are copyright The Royal Marsden

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Dr Kara Heelan is starting to resume normal practice and is happy to consider new referrals, in line with HCA Coronavirus policies – please refer to the HCA Healthcare Website for the latest information regarding COVID-19.

To arrange a consultation with Dr Heelan, call on 020 3494 4024 or email karaheelanpa@hcahealthcare.co.uk.