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Dermatology

cosmetic. surgical. medical.

Discover in-depth details regarding common dermatological conditions that can be effectively treated with the help of our innovative range of treatment options. From acne, rosacea, eczema, to inflammatory skin conditions, psoriasis, seborrhoea, warts and other disorders, the following list covers a range of topics that provide you a deeper understanding of the condition you may have. If you are at all concerned with one or more of the dermatological conditions listed below, schedule a consultation with us and together we can formulate a bespoke and tailored treatment plan for you.

Area of Concern

SKIN CANCERS (NON-MELANOMA)

NON-MELANOMA SKIN CANCERS (BCC, SCC AND SCC-IN-SITU)

There are many types of skin tumours/growths. Whilst some of them are harmless and need no treatment, some are cancerous and should be detected and removed early. Some of the most common malignant skin tumours are the non-melanoma skin cancers, which include Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

BASAL CELL CARCINOMA (BCC)

This is the most common type of skin cancer, which develops gradually and is often painless in an earlier stage. Typically occurring as a longstanding ulcer with a pearly raised margin (known as a rodent’s ulcer), BCC often appears pigmented in Asians and non-pigmented in fairer skin types. They commonly develop over sun-exposed areas of the skin such as the face and upper limbs, and if left untreated, this locally invasive cancer can slowly erode into surrounding skin and underlying structures such as muscle and bone.

Chronic sun exposure is a predisposing factor, and increased risk has also been associated with chronic arsenic exposure. The tumour rarely metastasizes to regional lymph nodes or distant organs but causes morbidity by local tissue destruction and may lead to subsequent disfigurement or functional impairment.

SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA-IN-SITU (BOWEN’S DISEASE)

This is a very early form of skin cancer that is easily treatable (i.e. early form of SCC), where the malignant cells are only located within the upper layer (epidermis) of the skin and has not yet spread into the deeper dermal layer. It typically presents as a scaly raised red plaque, which does not respond to treatment.

SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA (SCC)

Squamous Cell Carcinomas are malignant skin tumours of the keratinizing cells of the epidermis or its appendages, and also that of mucous membranes with squamous epithelium. It is more aggressive than BCC and on top of local tissue destruction, and perineural and vascular involvement; SCC has a risk of spread to regional lymph nodes and distant metastasis.

Typically developing as an irregular fleshy growth over sun-exposed skin, SCC growths increase in size, giving rise to a lump, which may break down to form an ulcer in some cases. Chronic sun exposure is an important contributing factor as well as chronic arsenic exposure. Other risk factors include chronic immunosuppression (e.g. organ transplant patients and patients on immunosuppressive medications), in addition to chronic non-healing wounds and ulcers.

SUSPECTING SKIN CANCER? HERE’S WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

A biopsy should be done to confirm the diagnosis and type of cancer. Treatment options depend on the histological subtype, location, size and patient preference as well as co-morbidities. Options include wide excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, cryotherapy, topical therapy, photodynamic therapy and radiotherapy.

WHAT IS YOUR AREA OF CONCERN?