Skin cancer
dermatology · oncological surgery · skin cancer · Gdańsk
Skin cancer — when does a lesion require dermoscopy, and when removal?
Not every skin lesion is dangerous, but every lesion that grows, bleeds, changes colour or shape, or causes concern should be assessed by a doctor. At Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, the dermatologist diagnoses skin lesions, while oncological surgeons qualify and remove lesions that require surgical treatment.
If you want to check a mole, start with dermoscopy or a dermatology consultation. If the lesion needs removal, the doctor will direct you to an oncological surgeon.
diagnosis, qualification, removal, histopathology
non-invasive assessment of moles and lesions
excision with possible histopathology
dermatologist assesses, surgeon removes
a changing lesion needs medical assessment
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is a group of diseases that may develop from different cells of the skin. The most commonly discussed types include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Some lesions grow slowly, while others may behave more aggressively, which is why early assessment of suspicious lesions is important.
This page is educational. Its purpose is not to help patients diagnose skin cancer on their own, but to explain when to book dermoscopy, when to see a dermatologist and when to consult an oncological surgeon.
Most important: if a mole or lump grows, bleeds, itches, changes colour, has irregular borders or looks different from the other lesions on your skin, do not observe it for months — book an examination.
Most common types of skin cancer
1. Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma often grows slowly and may resemble a non-healing scab, a shiny bump, a pink patch or a lesion that bleeds from time to time. It most often appears in sun-exposed areas such as the face, nose, forehead, ears or neck.
2. Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma may look like a rough, scaly, red or non-healing lesion. It may be associated with long-term UV exposure, scars, chronic wounds or precancerous skin changes.
3. Melanoma
Melanoma may develop within an existing mole or appear as a new lesion. It is not always black. It may be brown, red, bluish, multicoloured or have very little pigment. The ABCDE rule and the “ugly duckling” sign are particularly important.
ABCDE of melanoma — when should a mole be checked?
- A — asymmetry: one half of the lesion looks different from the other,
- B — border: the borders are uneven, ragged or irregular,
- C — colour: the lesion has several colours or uneven pigmentation,
- D — diameter: especially if the lesion is above about 6 mm or grows quickly,
- E — evolution: the lesion changes shape, colour or size, starts itching, hurting or bleeding.
Warning signs — do not delay the visit:
- the lesion grows quickly or changes colour,
- a mole bleeds, oozes, crusts or ulcerates,
- a new hard or fast-growing lump appears,
- the lesion looks different from the others,
- a wound or scab does not heal for several weeks.
Dermatologist or oncological surgeon — who should you see?
If you want to check moles, spots or pigmented lesions, the first step is usually a dermatologist and dermoscopy. The dermatologist assesses the lesion under magnification and decides whether it looks benign, requires follow-up, or needs surgical consultation.
If the lesion is suspicious, grows, bleeds, needs tissue sampling or should be removed with a margin, the patient is referred to an oncological surgeon. At Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, this division is clear: the dermatologist diagnoses, while oncological surgeons remove lesions that require surgical treatment.
What does the patient pathway look like?
Not every lesion requires removal, but every suspicious lesion requires medical assessment. Depending on the situation, the patient may need dermoscopy, dermatology consultation or oncological surgery consultation.
A non-invasive examination of moles and skin lesions using a dermoscope. It helps assess whether a lesion appears benign, needs observation or further diagnosis.
Learn more →For patients with multiple moles, spots, rashes, concerning lesions or a need for skin check-up.
Book dermatologist →For lesions that require excision, biopsy, reconstruction or histopathological examination.
See lesion removal →Our specialists in diagnosis and treatment of skin lesions
dermatologist, allergologist
Performs dermatological and dermoscopic diagnostics. Assesses moles, spots and other skin lesions, and indicates whether follow-up, observation or surgical consultation is needed.
Doctor profilegeneral and oncological surgeon
Qualifies and removes skin and subcutaneous lesions, including lesions requiring histopathology. Safety, excision margin and aesthetic wound closure are important.
Doctor profilegeneral and oncological surgeon
Deals with diagnosis and surgical treatment of skin cancer lesions, including melanoma, biopsies and reconstruction of defects after excision.
Doctor profileBook an assessment of a suspicious skin lesion
The dermatologist will assess the lesion dermoscopically, and if needed, the oncological surgeon will plan safe removal and histopathological examination.
The information on this page is for general educational purposes and does not replace a medical consultation. Suspected skin cancer, qualification for dermoscopy, biopsy, surgical excision and histopathological examination require individual medical assessment. In the case of a rapidly growing, bleeding, non-healing or changing skin lesion, consult a doctor promptly.
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