The Dermatology clinic at Broadgreen Hospital is the local centre for skin cancer diagnosis and treatment in Liverpool. If you come for an appointment you can expect:
Quick diagnosis
It’s really important that skin cancer is diagnosed quickly. You’ll get an appointment within two weeks at our Rapid Lesion Clinic if your GP suspects squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or malignant melanoma (MM).
Best treatment
Specialists from different medical areas meet weekly. This is called a
multi-disciplinary team meeting (MDT) and is central to the way we work. The MDT advise, support and create treatment plans that are personalised for every patient. MDT members include dermatologists, specialist nurses, plastic surgeons, pathologists, clinical oncologist and ear nose and throat surgeon (ENT).
Patient information and counselling
We’re there to support you throughout your treatment journey. You’ll be given a
key worker (usually a specialist nurse) and a contact telephone number for any questions you may have.
Reducing clinic visits
Improving the patient experience is one of our key aims. We’re trying to reduce repeat visits by performing surgery on the day if the cancer is operable and the circumstances are correct. We also offer follow-up clinics by telephone.
Complex surgery, locally
We now perform advanced skin cancer surgery at the Royal Liverpol University Hospital - this gives the patient the opportunity to have the procedure performed in this hospital rather than travelling to another.
Skin Cancer diagnosis
We have a large, experienced team of experts who can identify skin cancer quickly and efficiently.
Rapid skin cancer diagnosis
It’s really important that skin cancer is diagnosed early to stop it spreading. You will be referred to the hospital if your GP spots something that needs investigation. Our consultant skin specialists (dermatologists) will see you within two weeks at the rapid lesion clinic. This is based at Broadgreen Hospital.
Specialist examination
The dermatologist will examine your skin. It’s possible that the cancer can be spotted at this examination. Often the specialist will use a magnifying glass or hand held dermatoscope to look more closely at the lesion.
Biopsy
The doctor removes part or all of the lesion and sends it to the laboratory. It is analysed under a microscope by a pathologist. This is the only way to 100% identify skin cancer cells. It takes one to two weeks for the results of urgent skin cancer biopsies at the hospital which means our patients get a quick and accurate diagnosis.
Further tests
Sometimes we need to do further tests to see if the cancer has spread. The doctor will probably feel the lymph glands close to the cancer to see if any of them are enlarged.
Skin Cancer treatment
Your test results are discussed by a multi-disciplinary team (MDT). This is a group of experts including:
- dermatologists
- specialist nurses
- plastic surgeons
- pathologists
- clinical oncologist
- ear nose and throat surgeon
They decide the best treatment path if cancer is discovered. You will be consulted fully so that you play a role in whatever treatment you receive.
Treatment types
- Surgery: Most skin cancers are treated with surgery. It is usually a minor procedure and done under local anaesthetic. We have surgeons trained in advanced skin surgery for more complex operations.Very specialised surgery – like plastic surgery, maxillofacial surgery and oculo-plastic surgery – is given at other centres, including University Hospital Aintree and St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals.
- Radiotherapy: This uses radio waves to kill cancer cells. It is often used when the cancer is difficult to operate on. It can also be used with surgery (adjuvant treatment). Patients are referred to the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre for this treatment.
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT): PDT is mainly used to treat pre-skin cancer. It involves cream application and red light treatment to individual lesions. It can be done during the day; no overnight stay is required.
Clinical Trials
All our patients are given the chance to get involved if suitable. We currently have two skin cancer trials open to recruitment:
A study to find out if diet and lifestyle can affect the chances of melanoma coming back after treatment.
A trial looking at gemcitabine and bexarotene (GemBex) for people with difficult to control T-cell lymphoma of the skin.
Patient support and further help coping with cancer.
In-depth information about diagnosis, treatments, possible side effects and how to get further support.