Skin Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Part of the ukdermatologist.co.uk Knowledge Hub

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK. Catching it early and diagnosing it accurately can really make a big difference, often leading to a complete cure. As a Consultant Dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, I take a careful, step-by-step approach to diagnosis. I combine thorough clinical examinations, Dermoscopy, mole mapping, biopsy, and, when necessary, advanced surgical methods like Mohs micrographic surgery to ensure the best care for my patients.

Skin Cancer in the UK

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK

Skin Cancer Diagnosis

Diagnosing skin cancer starts with taking a detailed medical history and performing a full skin check. While focusing on a single lesion can be helpful, taking a step back to look at the overall picture-including risk factors, past medical history, medications, and other factors-can really improve the chances of catching potential skin concerns early.

When I examine a lesion, I look at its location, size, borders, colour, surface texture, and whether it’s causing symptoms like bleeding or itching. To get a clearer view, I also use Dermoscopy, a special technique that lets me see below the skin’s surface to spot structures that are invisible to the naked eye.

It’s important to remember that not every suspicious-looking lesion needs a biopsy right away. With experience and careful judgment, I can decide whether to monitor the lesion or proceed with intervention, helping avoid unnecessary procedures while catching any serious issues early.

Dermoscopy

Dermoscopy (also called dermatoscopy) uses a handheld device with polarised light and magnification to examine subsurface structures within pigmented or non-pigmented skin lesions. It greatly enhances diagnostic accuracy for melanoma and other skin cancers compared to naked-eye examination.

When performed by experienced professionals, Dermoscopy can enhance melanoma detection rates by approximately 20% compared to a standard clinical examination. I ensure to use Dermoscopy at every consultation for moles and skin cancer. This allows me to confidently differentiate harmless lesions such as seborrhoeic keratoses and haemangiomas from precancerous and cancerous skin growths. As a result, we can avoid unnecessary treatments and identify issues earlier.

Mole Mapping

Mole mapping is a helpful process that takes detailed photos of your entire body, along with special imaging of individual moles. It's especially beneficial for those at a higher risk of melanoma-such as people with many moles, a personal or family history of melanoma, atypical mole syndrome, or a history of significant sun exposure. By capturing images over time, we can spot small changes that might not be noticeable on a single visit. I include mole mapping as a part of a personalised skin cancer monitoring program, reviewing your images regularly and catching any early signs of change so we can take action quickly.

Skin Biopsy

When clinical and Dermoscopy assessments suggest a concern about a lesion, a biopsy can provide a clear, definitive diagnosis through histology. I choose among different types of biopsies based on the clinical situation: a shave biopsy for small lesions, a punch biopsy for more in-depth sampling, and an excisional biopsy when removing the entire lesion at once is necessary. It's particularly important to remember that if a pigmented skin lesion is suspected, it should be excised completely instead of just a small biopsy, to avoid missing a potential cancer within the full specimen.

The results from the biopsy help guide treatment decisions. A diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma each comes with its own specific management plan, including what surgical margins are needed and whether reconstruction by a specialist might be necessary.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Mohs surgery is widely regarded as the top choice for treating many skin cancers, especially Basal cell carcinomas and Squamous cell carcinomas. It's particularly effective for cancers on the face, ears, scalp, hands, and feet, as well as for recurrent, large, or more aggressive cancers. This method offers the highest chances of success while also helping to preserve healthy tissue, which is especially important when operating near sensitive areas like the eyes, nose, and lips.

I perform both standard (same day) and delayed (staged) Mohs surgeries. The delayed approach is usually reserved for less common tumour types, such as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, extramammary Paget's disease, and sebaceous carcinoma. This method allows for the tissue to be processed by specialists before the final margin assessment, ensuring the best care for each unique case.

Reconstruction After Skin Cancer Surgery

Once a skin cancer has been completely removed, the resulting wound needs thoughtful reconstruction. I focus on ensuring the best possible function, appearance, and healing process. We can consider various options, such as direct closure, local skin flaps (where nearby tissue is gently moved to cover the area), skin grafts, or allowing the wound to heal naturally through secondary intention. The best choice depends on the size and location of the wound, the patient's age and skin condition, and whether any nearby important structures need to be preserved.

Reconstruction planning begins before surgery. I assess each patient individually and discuss realistic outcomes, including scar appearance and the expected healing process.

Concerned about a skin lesion?

If you have a mole or lesion that is changing, bleeding, or not healing, a dermatology consultation can provide a clear diagnosis.

Book a consultation with Professor Vishal Madan.

Core Condition Guides

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) - A Complete Guide

Key publications on skin cancer by Prof. Madan:

Madan V, Lear JT, Szeimies RM. Non-melanoma skin cancer. Lancet. 2010 Feb 20;375(9715):673-85. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(09)61196-X. PMID: 20171403

My book on BCC.

Basal Cell Carcinoma Edited by Vishal Madan

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer in the UK, accounting for about 75-80% of all non-melanoma skin cancers. It originates from the basal cells in the outer skin layer and is primarily caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation. While BCC rarely spreads to other parts of the body, if it isn't treated or isn't managed well, it can lead to serious local damage, especially on the face.

What does BCC look like?

BCC comes in several different subtypes. The most common is nodular BCC, which looks like a pearly, skin-tone or pink bump with a rounded, translucent edge and tiny visible blood vessels on the surface (telangiectasia). Sometimes, it can develop a central ulcer, known as the classic "rodent ulcer."

Nodular BCC on the face- Note this is the most common type of BCC

Nodular BCC on upper lip 

SUPERFICIAL BCC on the neck

Morphoeic (or sclerosing) BCC is the most difficult to treat. It appears as a vague, scar-like, whitish patch that extends beyond what you can see.

Morphoeic (or sclerosing) BCC on the face- Note this is the most difficult BCC to treat, as this can be ‘infiltrate’ into the tissue.

Using dermoscopy, doctors can identify key features such as tree-shaped blood vessels, white-to-blue oval nests, and spoke-wheel patterns, which often allow a confident diagnosis without a biopsy.

Treatment Options for BCC

Choosing the best treatment for BCC really depends on its type, size, location, and what’s best for the patient. You might consider options like surgical removal, Mohs surgery, curettage and cautery, photodynamic therapy, or topical applications such as imiquimod or fluorouracil, especially for superficial BCC. If surgery isn't suitable, radiotherapy could be a good alternative. Mohs surgery is especially recommended for high-risk cases, like those on the face, recurrent tumours, or more aggressive subtypes like morphoeic, large, or infiltrative BCC.

Can BCC Spread?

BCC very rarely spreads, happening in less than 0.1% of cases. However, the idea of "spread" might be a bit misleading; locally aggressive BCCs can invade deeply into subcutaneous fat, cartilage, bone, and perineural tissue, which can lead to serious health issues even if they don’t spread far away. That’s why it’s so important to get early treatment from an experienced dermatological surgeon.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer. It develops from keratinocytes, or skin cells, in the uppermost layer of the skin, the epidermis. Unlike basal cell carcinoma (BCC), SCC has a real risk of spreading, often to nearby lymph nodes. This happens in about 2-5% of cases overall, but the risk is higher in more dangerous lesions. SCC most frequently appears on sun-damaged skin, especially in older adults. However, it can also develop in areas such as scars or ulcers, or in people with weakened immune systems.

Recognising SCC

SCC often appears as a firm, pink or red bump or patch with a rough, crusty, or ulcerated surface.

Squamous cell carcinoma on the lower eyelid

It can develop in a precancerous spot (such as actinic keratosis) or appear out of nowhere. In areas like the lips and ears - which are high-risk zones - SCC might appear as a persistent sore or a thickened, hardened area. If you notice a lesion that bleeds, doesn't heal, or grows quickly over a few weeks, it's important to get it checked out promptly.

Ulcerated Squamous cell carcinoma on the scalp arising from a sun damaged area

High-Risk SCC

Features that make SCC more likely to spread and recur include a tumour bigger than 2 cm, invasion deeper than 4 mm, poor cell differentiation, perineural invasion, and immunosuppression (e.g., in solid organ transplant recipients). Some areas, like the ear, lip, and scalp, are also riskier. For these high-risk SCCs, doctors suggest wider removal margins, and working with a team of specialists can really help provide the best care.

High Risk SCCs on scalp

Melanoma - Early Detection

Melanoma starts in melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation. Although it’s less frequent than BCC or SCC, melanoma is actually the cause of most skin cancer deaths due to its strong tendency to spread. In the UK, around 16,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, and the number of cases has been gradually rising over the past forty years.

Early Signs of Melanoma

The ABCDEF checklist is a helpful guide to noticing early signs of melanoma: such as asymmetry (where one half looks different from the other), border irregularities (like scalloped, notched, or poorly defined edges), colour variations (with different shades like brown, black, red, white, or blue within the same spot), diameter (more than 6 mm, although melanomas can be smaller), and evolution (any change in size, shape, colour, or new symptoms). Don't forget to watch out for funny symptoms like itching, bleeding, and soreness.

A mole showing Asymmetry, border irregularities, colour variations – This is a melanoma 

I also find the "ugly duckling" idea helpful in clinical settings: if a mole looks noticeably different from a person's other moles, it warrants extra attention, even if it doesn't meet all ABCDEF criteria.

A large Ulcerated Nodule on the back- this is a  Nodular Melanoma.

Additionally, amelanotic melanoma, which lacks pigment, can be tricky to diagnose because it often appears as a pink or skin-coloured lesion, sometimes mistaken for a cyst or scar.

AMELANOTIC MELANOMA ON THE FACE, NOTE THE PINK NODULE AND PIGMENT SPREAD ON THE EDGES

How Dermatologists Diagnose Melanoma

The diagnostic process begins with a gentle clinical examination, followed by dermoscopy for a closer look. I start by checking dermoscopic features such as an atypical pigment network, irregular streaks, regression structures, a blue-white veil, and vascular irregularities. While these terms might seem complicated, they represent the standard approach most dermatologists use to diagnose skin conditions. If dermoscopy indicates a concern, a thorough excisional biopsy with a 2 mm clinical margin is carried out to ensure complete removal. The sample is then carefully examined by a specialized dermatopathologist who confirms the diagnosis and provides important prognostic details, such as Breslow thickness, ulceration, mitotic rate, and margin status, helping to guide further care.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy and additional staging tests are typically guided by the Breslow thickness of the primary tumour, along with other important high-risk characteristics. Managing melanoma is increasingly a team effort, especially for intermediate- and thick-tumours, involving multidisciplinary discussions. Breslow thickness indicates how deep the melanoma has grown in millimetres (mm) from the skin surface to its deepest point, serving as a crucial predictor of survival. This measurement helps determine the T-stage (T1-T4) within the TNM system and plays a role in guiding treatment options, including surgical margins and sentinel lymph node biopsies.

What Is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialised surgical technique used to treat skin cancer. It was developed by Dr. Frederic Mohs in the 1930s and has been refined into its modern form over many years. Today, it’s recognised worldwide as one of the most effective treatments for high-risk non-melanoma skin cancers-BCCs and SCCs.

The key feature of Mohs surgery is the immediate, precise microscopic examination of the surgical margins. During the procedure, the dermatologic surgeon removes the tumour in thin horizontal layers, mapping each layer as it is taken away. Every piece of tissue is processed, frozen, stained, and examined under a microscope by the Mohs surgeon - an expert trained in both skin surgery and pathology.

This detailed process helps identify the exact location of any remaining cancer cells, so only the tissue containing cancer is further removed. The procedure continues until all the margins are free of cancer.

Who performs Mohs Surgery?

99.9% of the time, a Mohs surgeon is a dermatologist. Training in Dermatology enables Mohs surgeons to have both non-surgical and surgical treatment options available and the knowledge to use these treatments at the right time for the right indication. Surgery is just one treatment, and not every basal cell carcinoma requires Mohs surgery.

If your surgeon is not a dermatological surgeon and has no background training in dermatology, it may be wise to ask why that is the case. In the UK, most surgeons are invariably members of the British Society of Dermatological Surgery.

When Is Mohs Surgery Required?

Mohs surgery is typically recommended in specific clinical situations where preserving tissue and ensuring complete margin control are especially important.

These include

High-risk areas such as the face-especially the nose, eyelids, ears, lips-along with the scalp, hands, feet, and genitalia.

It's also advised for recurrent skin cancers-those that have been treated before and have come back-as well as large tumours larger than 2 cm in diameter.

Additionally, it’s suitable for histologically aggressive subtypes like morphoeic or infiltrative basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

If tumours have poorly defined clinical margins or show perineural invasion on biopsy, Mohs surgery may be recommended.

It’s also a good option for rare tumour types such as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), Merkel cell carcinoma, sebaceous carcinoma, and extramammary Paget's disease.

Lastly, it’s particularly valuable for immunosuppressed patients where careful margin assessment is vital.

When Mohs Surgery Is Not Necessary

Not all skin cancers need Mohs surgery. Many low-risk basal cell carcinomas can be successfully treated with standard surgical excision or other gentle options like curettage and cautery, topical treatments, or photodynamic therapy. A qualified dermatologist can help recommend the best treatment approach for you.

What are the differences between Mohs Surgery and Standard Excision

Standard surgical excision involves removing a tumour along with a small border of healthy skin, usually about 4-5 mm for BCC and then sending the sample to a lab for analysis, which can take several days.

However, only a tiny part of the margin-about 1-2%-is checked, so there’s a chance that some tumour cells might be missed.

On the other hand, Mohs surgery carefully examines 100% of the surgical margin right there in the same appointment, providing two big benefits: the highest chance of complete removal and the best preservation of healthy tissue.

This is especially important around delicate areas like the eyes, nose, and ears, where removing even a few extra millimetres of tissue could affect function and appearance.

What are the Cure Rates with Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery offers some of the highest success rates for treating skin cancer. For those with primary (untreated) BCC, over 99% are cured within five years. Even in cases of recurrent BCC-where typical excision has about an 83% success rate-Mohs achieves a cure rate of 94-97%.

For primary SCC, Mohs surgery also provides excellent results, with cure rates of 97% or higher over five years.

These impressive outcomes highlight how carefully the margins are assessed and the precision this technique offers.

What are the Reconstruction options After Mohs Surgery

Once the Mohs surgeon has confirmed clear margins, we move on to repairing the wound.

The type of reconstruction depends on the location, size, and depth of the defect, as well as your personal circumstances.

Options include letting certain wounds heal naturally, direct linear closure, local flaps such as transposition, rotation, or advancement of nearby skin, and skin grafts-either full-thickness or split-thickness.

For more complex defects around the eyelid or nose, we might need to consider more advanced techniques. Our goal in planning your reconstruction is to achieve the best possible functional and cosmetic results.

Most Mohs surgeries and reconstructions are done under local anaesthesia as a day procedure, so you can go home the same day with a dressing in place.

1.    Patient had infiltrative BCC on nose and adjacent cheek. Needed, cartilage graft to support the nose and a flap to reconstruct the defect. 

3.    This patient had a rather large complex effect under the eye with the challenge to repair this without pulling the lower eyelid. This was accomplished by using a specialised flap. Please note that the swelling under the eye will subside over time.

4. The inner eye area (Medial Canthus) is a common site for basal cell carcinoma. In this particular case, the wound was left to heal naturally, also known as secondary intentional healing. As can be seen, given the large defect, the results are excellent.

What is the recovery after Mohs Surgery?

Recovery after Mohs surgery varies depending on the size and location of the wound, as well as the type of reconstruction performed. Typically, small closed defects cause mild discomfort for 2-3 days, which can be easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol. Usually, these wounds heal within 7-14 days, and sutures are removed after 5-14 days, commonly around 7 days, depending on the area.

Patients are encouraged to rest by avoiding strenuous activities for 1-2 weeks, to be gentle with the wound by keeping it protected from sun exposure, and to remember to come in for a wound review. It's quite common to see some bruising and swelling around the eyes or nose, but don't worry-these normally settle within 2-3 weeks. Keep in mind that scars take time to heal and will gradually become softer and more refined over 12-18 months.

What are the Risks of Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery is a well-established, safe procedure performed under local anaesthesia. As with all surgical procedures, there are potential risks:

• Bleeding: minor bleeding is common; significant haematoma is rare

• Infection: uncommon; prophylactic antibiotics are used selectively and rarely.

• Scarring: inevitable with any surgical procedure; the degree depends on wound size and reconstruction type

• Nerve damage: temporary numbness around the wound is common; permanent sensory or motor nerve injury is rare but possible, particularly near the facial nerve

• Wound dehiscence: partial separation of wound edges, most common with large closures under tension

• Flap or graft failure: rare; most tissue transfers succeed with careful surgical technique

Remember, the risks of leaving skin cancer untreated-such as local damage, spreading, and needing more extensive surgery later-are generally greater than the risks associated with Mohs surgery itself.

What Patients Should Know Before Mohs Surgery

Before your Mohs surgery, it's useful to know a few things to help you feel prepared. The procedure might take most of the day since processing tissue between stages usually takes about an hour each. Typically, BCCs need one to three stages. You'll wait comfortably between stages with a temporary dressing in place, so bringing a book and a light snack can make the wait more pleasant. Remember, only stop taking aspirin, clopidogrel, or warfarin if your GP or cardiologist advises you to do so-don't pause anticoagulants without medical guidance. Wear comfortable, easy-to-remove clothes, and consider bringing a companion along if your wound is near your eyes or if you think driving might be difficult after the surgery as this is usually not advised after facial surgery.

Supporting Skin Cancer Articles

Skin Cancer on the Face

The face is the most common site for both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. This happens because of the accumulation of sun exposure over a lifetime - the face, along with the scalp, ears, and back of the hands, gets more UV radiation than any other part of the body. BCC often shows up around the inner corner of the eye (medial canthus), on the nose, and on the cheeks. SCC is more likely to develop on the lower lip, scalp, and ears.

SCC on the ear appearing as a cutaneous horn

It's really important to see a specialist quickly if skin cancer appears on the face. That’s because early treatment tends to lead to better results and may require less invasive surgery. Also, postponing treatment near sensitive areas like the eyes, nose, and lips can cause serious functional and cosmetic issues. I always examine all facial skin cancers carefully with Dermoscopy and plan treatment with both effective tumour control and good cosmetic appearance in mind.

Skin Cancer on the Nose

The nose is one of the most vulnerable areas for skin cancer. Its prominent position means it receives a lot of sunlight over time. The nose's delicate, three-dimensional shape makes it tricky to completely remove tumours with standard methods - it's common to find some tumour cells left at the edges here more than almost anywhere else on the body.

For basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) on the nose, Mohs micrographic surgery is often the best choice. This technique, which involves checking the margins in stages during the procedure, offers a distinct advantage: it greatly increases the likelihood of total tumour removal while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. This is especially important when rebuilding parts like the nasal tip, ala, or sidewall.

After Mohs surgery, reconstructing the nose might involve using local skin flaps, often taken from the cheek or forehead (like a paramedian forehead flap) for bigger areas, or smaller cartilage grafts taken from the ear’s conchal bowl for minor alar rim repairs. When performed by experienced surgeons, the results are generally excellent.

When Dermatologists Biopsy a Mole

Not every mole or pigmented lesion requires a biopsy. The decision to biopsy is made when clinical and Dermoscopy assessment reveals features that cannot be confidently attributed to a benign diagnosis. These include asymmetry, irregular borders, colour variegation (particularly with shades of black, grey, or red), patient-reported change, irregular vascular patterns on Dermoscopy, or a lesion that simply does not fit the expected pattern of any recognisable benign entity- "ugly duckling."

Excisional biopsy - removing the entire lesion with a small surrounding margin - is generally preferred for pigmented lesions where melanoma is a possibility, as it provides the most complete histological assessment and avoids the sampling error inherent in partial biopsy. The excised specimen is sent to a specialist dermatopathologist, and results are typically available within 7-10 days.

How Dermatologists Check a Suspicious Mole

When a patient comes in with a mole they're worried about, I follow a gentle, step-by-step process. I begin by asking about their history: how long they've had the mole, whether it has changed, and if so, how quickly. I also check whether it's causing any symptoms, such as bleeding, itching, or crusting. Additionally, I ask about any personal or family history of skin cancer or unusual moles to better understand their situation.

I perform a thorough skin check, looking at not just the lesion in question but also the entire skin surface, since new or changing spots elsewhere can give us important clues. I examine the suspicious mole with dermoscopy, which helps me see details that aren’t visible to the naked eye, like structural and blood vessel features. Based on what I find, I discuss my plans with the patient, whether it’s offering reassurance and routine follow-up, taking short-term monitoring photos, or performing an excisional biopsy. I make sure to explain my thought process clearly at every step to keep the patient well-informed.

How Often Should You Have a Skin Cancer Check?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer - how often you should be checked for skin cancer really depends on your personal risk. If you haven't had skin cancer before, have fewer than 50 moles, no family history, and limited sun exposure, just one initial assessment with some tips on how to monitor yourself might do the trick. However, if you're at higher risk, annual or biannual mole mapping check-ups are a good idea to stay on top of things.

The groups most likely to benefit from regular skin cancer checks include: patients with a personal history of melanoma or multiple BCCs; those with atypical mole syndrome (dysplastic naevus syndrome); solid organ transplant recipients and other immunosuppressed individuals (who face a significantly higher risk of SCC); patients with a family history of melanoma; individuals with a history of extensive sun exposure or sunbed use; and those with fair skin, light eyes, or red hair - phenotypic features linked to reduced UV protection.

I recommend that all patients regularly perform a monthly self-examination, no matter how often their formal check-ups are scheduled. If you notice any new or changing lesions, or if something feels odd or uncomfortable, it's best to get it checked out promptly. Your proactive attention can make a big difference!

Why Is Skin Cancer Increasing in the UK?

Skin cancer cases in the UK have been rising steadily over the past forty years, and this trend continues today. The main reason is increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from both natural sunlight and artificial sources such as sunbeds.

The popular trend for sun-tanned skin that started around the mid-twentieth century has led to many people, especially in their childhood and early adulthood, getting much more UV exposure than previous generations.

The ozone layer, which helps block some of the sun's UV rays, has become thinner in parts of the world, making UV radiation more intense at ground level. With affordable international travel, many UK residents-who often have fair skin that doesn’t handle intense UV well-now vacation in warmer, sunnier locations with high UV indexes.

Additionally, the long-term use of sunbeds, which remains a key risk factor for melanoma, especially among young women, also plays a role in the increasing number of cases. An ageing population contributes as well because skin cancer risk builds up over time, so as more people live into their 70s, 80s, and 90s, cases naturally become more common.

Better awareness and more frequent skin checks by both patients and healthcare professionals might also be leading to higher reported case numbers, though this doesn’t necessarily mean the actual number of tumours is rising equally. The best way to combat this is through primary prevention-using effective sun protection, avoiding sunbeds, and shielding children from sunburn-along with early detection in secondary prevention. Catching skin cancer early usually means it’s curable. However, when diagnosis is delayed or cancers are overlooked, the risks and complications increase, especially with melanoma and high-risk SCC, which can be fatal.

Skin Cancer Prevention

Here are some friendly tips to help you lower your skin cancer risk: avoid sunburns, make sure to use SPF 30+ sunscreen, wear protective clothing and hats, steer clear of sunbeds, and get into the habit of doing regular self-skin checks. Remember, catching issues early and staying proactive can make a big difference in reducing skin cancer health risks.

Types of Skin Cancer at a Glance

Skin Cancer	Key Features	Spread Risk
Basal Cell Carcinoma	Pearly or ulcerated lesion	Very low
Squamous Cell Carcinoma	Crusted or ulcerated lesion	Moderate
Melanoma	Irregular pigmented lesion	High

 

When to Seek Urgent Review

Seek urgent dermatology review if a lesion:
• grows rapidly
• bleeds repeatedly
• does not heal after 4–6 weeks
• changes colour or shape

About Prof. Vishal Madan

Prof. Vishal Madan is a Consultant Dermatologist, Laser & Dermatological Surgeon with subspecialty expertise in Mohs micrographic surgery, laser dermatology, and surgical dermatology. He holds substantive NHS consultant posts at Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust and practises privately at HCA Wilmslow Hospital and The Beaumont Hospital, Bolton.

Vishal performs both standard and staged Mohs surgery for a variety of skin tumours, including BCC, SCC, DFSP, extramammary Paget's disease, and sebaceous carcinoma. He is actively involved in dermatology education, clinical research, and professional associations, including the British Medical Laser Association.

If you are worried about a mole, skin lesion, or have been advised you need skin cancer surgery, a consultation with Vishal will give you an expert clinical opinion, a clear diagnosis, and a customised treatment plan based on your individual circumstances.

All content reviewed and authored by

Professor Vishal Madan. MD, FRCP, MBA

Consultant Dermatologist and Mohs Micrographic Surgeon
Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust
Private Practice: HCA, The Wilmslow Hospital and Circle, The Beaumont Hospital

Same Day Doctor Clinic Manchester

Immediate Past President — British Medical Laser Association

Author of skin cancer chapters in Rook's Textbook of Dermatology

This content is intended for patient education and website Answer Engine Optimisation. It does not constitute individual medical advice.

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