Dermatology at St Hugh's Hospital
This article was published in the Grimsby Telegraph, Health Matters column in June 2011.
Welcome from Donna Read, Hospital Director at St Hugh’s
St Hugh’s is Grimsby’s very own private, independent hospital, providing a wide range of surgical operations carried out by a team of very well qualified local surgeons. We pride ourselves on our MRSA free environment. Every month, the Health Matters column features a different treatment or procedure offered at the hospital. This month’s health feature is about skin and the effects of sunshine.
It’s time to face up to the dangers of sun exposure
A topical health matter for this time of the year is always about the skin and our exposure, if we are lucky to see some sunshine, and the effects that may have. Dr Neil Hepburn, our Consultant Dermatologist, recently provided an article for the All Woman Supplement – It’s time to face up to the dangers of sun exposure, and I thought it appropriate to use this for this month’s health matters.
Q – What is melanoma?
A – Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer which affects the cells in the skin that produce the pigment that causes tanning. The main cause of melanoma is believed to be over-exposure to the sun. Overusing sunbeds and sunlamps may also increase your risk of developing melanoma.
Q – How common is it?
A – Melanoma was quite rare until 30 or 40 years ago, when it started to become more common. In the past ten years it has doubled in frequency. Although it is still rare in children, it is the form of cancer most commonly found in young people in their 20s. According to Macmillan Cancer Support, over the past 30 years, the rate of malignant melanomas in Britain has risen faster than any of the top ten cancers in males and females. Macmillan’s research shows there have been 857 new cases of melanoma in Yorkshire and the Humber since 2008.
Q – How serious is it?
A – If the cancerous cells are spotted and removed at an early stage, then the cancer is usually removed in its entirety. However, if the melanoma has spread to a depth of more than 5mm then the survival rate in five years time is less than four in ten people. It is therefore vital to get melanomas diagnosed as early as possible and also to teach people about methods of prevention. If a person has one melanoma then they are pre-disposed to getting another and there is a one in ten chance that they will develop another cancer.
Q – What are the symptoms?
A – You should check your skin regularly for:
- New moles
- Moles which change in size. Most melanomas measure more than 7mm across. Anybody with a mole bigger than the end of a pencil should have it checked by their doctor.
- Moles which change in colour, particularly if they get darker or develop a red colour.
- Moles which change in shape, particularly if they develop an irregular edge.
Q – What should I do if I spot any of the symptoms?
A – If you are concerned about any moles then you should get them checked by your GP, who will be able to reassure you or advise on the best form of treatment.
Q – How is it treated?
A – You may be referred to a dermatologist who can assess the area under a microscope and will usually remove the mole. If the mole is cancerous, the treatment you will need will depend on whether the cancer has spread. You may need to have a safety margin of skin removed in the area around the mole itself to ensure that all of the cancerous cells are gone. Radiotherapy and drug treatment may also be needed in the most serious cases.
Q – How can I prevent it?
A – It might seem obvious, but it is important to avoid sunburn and intensive exposure to the sun. The trouble is that in this country we do no have constant sunshine so when the sun does come out, everybody strips off and heads outside. Research suggests that it is these bursts of sudden exposure which lead to melanoma. Limiting your exposure to the sun and using adequate sun protection is essential.
To book a consultation with our dermatology department ring 01472 251100
