Skin Cancer Treatment
MOH-Accredited Dermatologist | Oxford Fellowship Trained in Mohs Micrographic Surgery & Advanced Dermatologic Surgery
Consult Dr Tay Liang Kiat, a fully accredited dermatologist in Singapore with more than 25 years of clinical experience. He manages medical, surgical, and aesthetic dermatology conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, acne, urticaria, hair loss, children’s skin conditions, skin cancers, and other complex dermatological concerns.
All You Need to Know About Skin Cancer, Types of Skin Cancer and Treatment Options
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells caused by damage, usually resulting from repeated sun exposure. Skin cancer can be classified into melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer:
- Melanoma is a skin cancer that may develop from an existing or new mole. It is a malignant tumour of the melanocytes, or skin cells that produce melanin, that behaves aggressively. If untreated, melanoma may spread to other parts of the body.
- Non-melanoma skin cancer includes squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. This cancer may slowly develop in the upper layers of the skin.
In Singapore, non-melanoma skin cancer is much more common than melanoma. Other rare forms of skin cancer include Merkel cell carcinoma, which is a rare and aggressive type of skin cancer that may affect older adults with lighter skin pigmentation, as well as Kaposi’s sarcoma, which is often associated with immunosuppression.
Key Takeaways
- Surgical Excision is still the main treatment for all skin cancers, to remove all the skin cancer cells completely either by Mohs Surgery or wide excision surgery.
- There are other treatment options such as cryosurgery, topical creams, photodynamic therapy, curettage with electrosurgery, and radiotherapy, all with variable cure rates.
- For skin cancer cases which have spread to other parts of the body (metastasis), chemotherapy may be considered
Types of Skin Cancer and How Does It Look Like?
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
BCC is often caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation on uncovered areas of your skin, such as your face and neck. It is one of the more common causes of skin cancer, and rarely spreads to other areas.
Squamous Cell Cancer (SCC)
Like BCC, SCC is also caused by prolonged UV radiation exposure that forms a rough, scaly patch or firm, dome-like nodule. SCC is not life-threatening unless allowed to persist, but prompt treatment helps prevent further complications.
Malignant Melanoma
Malignant melanoma is a severe form of skin cancer caused by abnormal melanocyte growth. These cancerous cells can grow out of control and may spread to other parts of the body.
Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratosis is a precancerous growth that appears as rough, scaly spots on your skin. It also develops due to prolonged UV exposure and may potentially lead to SCC if not treated promptly.
Sun damage
High, constant UV radiation from sunlight or tanning beds can gradually damage the DNA in our skin cells. Over time, this damage can cause cells to grow out of control, resulting in skin cancer like BCC or SCC.
How Common is Skin Cancer in Singapore?
According to the Singapore Cancer Society, skin cancer is among the most common cancers diagnosed in Singapore. There were 2,286 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer in men and 1,842 cases in women between 2019 and 2023, as recorded in the Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report 2023. Hence, it is important to consult a dermatologist early if you notice any signs or changes in your skin.
Signs and Symptoms of Different Types of Skin Cancer
Symptoms of skin cancer may vary by type.
Symptoms for melanoma may include:
- The appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing mole
- A large brown spot with dark speckles
- A mole that changes in colour, size, or texture
- A bleeding mole
- A small lesion with an irregular border and parts that show red, pink, white, blue or blue-black colour
- A lesion that feels painful, itches, or burns
- Lesions that appear dark on the palms, soles, fingertips, or toes, or on mucous membranes in the mouth, nose, vagina, or anus
Symptoms of basal cell carcinoma may include:
- A pearly or waxy bump
- A lesion that appears flat and flesh-coloured or brown and scar-like
- A bleeding or scabbing sore that returns after it has healed
Symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma may include:
- A firm and red nodule
- A flat lesion with a crusted or scaly surface
Since each type of skin cancer has different symptoms, it is not always possible to tell whether certain spots or lesions on your skin may indicate this condition. It is recommended that you have a dermatologist in Singapore check you for skin cancer for a more accurate diagnosis.
Types of Skin Cancer Treatment in Singapore At Stratum Skin And Surgery
Surgical excision is still the main treatment for all types of skin cancer, to remove all the skin cancer cells completely, either by Mohs Surgery or wide excision surgery. In addition, there are other treatment options such as, cryosurgery, topical creams, photodynamic therapy, curettage with electrosurgery, and radiotherapy, all with variable cure rates.
For skin cancer cases which have spread to other parts of the body (metastasis), chemotherapy may also be considered for treatment.
Treatment Type |
Description |
|---|---|
| Standard Wide Excision | Following standard wide excision of non-melanoma skin cancers, the wound is immediately closed, and the tissue specimen is sent for histology processing, which can take a couple of days. |
| MOHS Surgery for Skin Cancer | Mohs Surgery has the benefit of microscopically examining the entire deep and peripheral surgical margins at the same time. |
| Cryosurgery | Cryosurgery is a type of treatment which uses liquid nitrogen spray to freeze skin lesions on the skin surface. By using the extremely cold temperature of liquid nitrogen, such surface skin lesions or abnormal tissue are destroyed in the process, with minimal downtime and without the need for any anaesthesia. |
| Photodynamic Therapy | Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment that destroys abnormal skin cells by exposing skin treated with a light-sensitive medication to a special light. It is commonly used for certain early skin cancers and precancerous skin conditions. |
| Curettage With Electrosurgery | Curettage with electrosurgery is a treatment that uses a curette to scrape away abnormal tissue. An electrical current is then used to destroy the remaining cancer cells. |
| Radiotherapy | Radiotherapy is a treatment that uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. It may be recommended when surgery is not suitable to remove the cancer cells. |
Skin Cancer Diagnosis
If you find any abnormal growths on your skin and want to have them examined for skin cancer in Singapore, our dermatologist may use the following diagnostic methods:
Diagnostic Method |
Description |
|---|---|
| Clinical Skin Examination | Our dermatologist may conduct a physical examination of your skin from head to toe, looking for signs of skin cancer. |
| Dermoscopy | During the clinical examination, our dermatologist may perform dermoscopy to examine your skin more closely. We will use a dermatoscope or a handheld magnifying tool to get a closer look at certain growths or areas of concern. |
| Skin Biopsy | A skin biopsy is a minor procedure usually performed under local anaesthetic to keep you conscious. During this procedure, our dermatologist will obtain a tissue sample from the suspected area, which will be sent to the laboratory for further testing and analysis. |
In some cases, skin cancer may be assessed and addressed during the same visit. The dermatologist may remove the tumour for testing to determine whether further treatment is necessary. In other cases, after a diagnosis is confirmed, additional tests may be required to determine the extent of the condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan to manage it and prevent further spread.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Cancer Treatments
How can you prevent skin cancer?
While the risk of getting skin cancer may differ for each individual, there are certain steps you can take to help reduce the risk. Apply sunscreen daily and wear appropriate sun-protective clothing when you need to go out during the day. Do a regular skin self-examination to check for any new lesions, and get a medical screening examination at least once a year, or more frequently if you have a family history of skin cancer.
How to prepare for a skin cancer screening test?
Preparing for a skin cancer screening in Singapore is simple and requires minimal effort, as our dermatologist will guide you through the process. Before your appointment, make sure to do the following:
- Remove makeup, nail polish, and self-tanner
- Wear comfortable and easy-to-remove clothing
- Avoid applying body lotion or cream
- Avoid complex hairstyles, as they might make a scalp examination difficult
Additionally, bring photos of any spots on your body that you have been monitoring. Inform our dermatologist of any skin changes and any medications you are taking.
Does skin cancer always require surgery?
Our dermatologist will help advise an appropriate treatment based on your condition. Surgery is the most common treatment for certain forms of skin cancer, which helps remove cancerous cells without taking an excessive amount of surrounding healthy skin. In certain cases of early skin cancer, our dermatologist may recommend locally ablative procedures, such as curettage and desiccation, cryotherapy, or topical agents.
Book a Consultation & Protect Your Skin
Our team of experienced dermatologists and skin surgeons are here to help you identify, diagnose, and manage any suspicious skin changes with precision and care. Don’t ignore unusual spots or slow-healing lesions, book your appointment today for a thorough evaluation and peace of mind.
Our Dermatologist
Dr Tay Liang Kiat
Dr Tay Liang Kiat is a fully accredited Dermatologist who specialises in skin cancers, Mohs micrographic surgery, dermatologic and nail surgery, aesthetic dermatology and laser procedures. With more than 25 years of clinical experience, he also manages other aspects of general ambulatory and inpatient dermatology, including eczema, psoriasis, acne, urticaria, hair loss, children skin issues and other complex medical dermatology. In addition, he has expertise in the use of the latest immunotherapy (biologics) treatment for severe eczema, psoriasis and urticaria.
Background
- UK (Oxford) Fellowship trained Dermatologist, specialising in Skin Cancer Screening and Treatment, Mohs Micrographic Surgery, Advanced Dermatologic Surgery
- UK-educated with more than 25 years clinical experience
- Accredited Dermatologist by Ministry of Health and Specialist Accreditation Board, Singapore
- Former Senior Dermatologist in private dermatology group practice
- Former Consultant Dermatologist and Head of Dermatology Surgery Services and Eczema Clinic at Changi General Hospital, Singapore
- Former Visiting Consultant Dermatologist at Military Medical Institute Specialist Centre, Singapore Armed Forces
Fellowship & Accreditation
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, University of Glasgow, UK
- Member of the Royal College of Physicians, UK
- Member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, UK
- Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, UK
- Fellow of the Academy of Medicine (Dermatology), Singapore
- Fellowship in Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Advanced Dermatologic Surgery, University of Oxford, UK
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Contact Information
Our Locations
- Suite #04-04 Parkway East Medical Centre 319 Joo Chiat Place Singapore 427989
- 1 Scotts Road #03-02 Shaw Centre Singapore 228208
Contact Numbers
- Whatsapp: +65 9159 2824
- Phone: +65 6539 9365
- Fax: +65 6539 9465
Email Address
- contact@stratumskin.com.sg
Book an Appointment
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Our Locations
- Suite #04-04 Parkway East Medical Centre 319 Joo Chiat Place Singapore 427989
- 1 Scotts Road #03-02 Shaw Centre Singapore 228208
Contact Numbers
- Whatsapp: +65 9159 2824
- Phone: +65 6539 9365
- Fax: +65 6539 9465