Skin cancer screening

Actinic keratosis is a change to the surface of the skin characterised by a reddish, rough surface. This is caused by UV light and is a precursor to a squamous cell carcinoma. At Skin & Aesthetic, we treat actinic keratosis with photodynamic therapy, laser treatment or the local application of creams depending on the case.

Basal cell carcinomas (basaliomas) are a form of white skin cancer and are mainly found on sun-exposed areas such as the face. They grow slowly in width and depth, destroying the surrounding tissue, but do not form secondary tumours (metastases). Surgical removal of the tumour usually cures the disease. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) can also help.


Spinaliomas are another type of white skin cancer and they are usually found in the top level of skin. Unhindered growth allows this type of cancer to destroy considerable amounts of surrounding tissue. Metastases can be prevented by removing this type of tumour at an early stage. Actinic keratoses – i.e. reddish, flaky and horny, dry areas of skin – are a known precursor to this. There are numerous therapeutic options available to prevent this type of issue transitioning into a malignant stage.

Malignant melanoma is a particularly aggressive form of skin cancer. It originates from pigment cells (melanocytes and naevus cells) and can appear as a flat, nodular or extensive skin change. In almost all cases, surgical removal is the first treatment option. If it is detected early, the chances of recovery are good. Many melanomas are discovered by patients themselves, because a melanoma looks like an “ugly duckling” among all the other pigment spots!