Melanoma is a potentially serious form of skin cancer, accounting for around 5% of new skin cancer diagnoses. It can develop anywhere on the body, but is more common in sun-exposed areas.

What does melanoma look like?

Early melanomas often appear as an unusual freckle or mole that may itch, bleed, or change in size, shape, or colour. Lesions that look very different from your other moles should be reviewed promptly.

How is melanoma diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made via an excision biopsy — a procedure that removes the entire mole or lesion for histological analysis. This confirms whether melanoma is present.

What treatment is required for melanoma?

For early-stage melanoma, treatment usually involves a second operation to remove a margin of skin around the biopsy site. This is often all that’s needed. More advanced cases may require lymph node biopsy or body scans to check for spread.

What happens if melanoma has spread?

If metastatic spread is found, systemic treatment with an oncologist may be recommended. This could include immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or other cancer treatments.

Do I need a GP referral to be seen?

No referral is required. You can book directly with Glasgow Skin Specialists for assessment and treatment of suspicious moles or lesions.

Melanoma Assessment and Treatment at Glasgow Skin Specialists

Melanoma is a potentially serious form of skin cancer — but thankfully, it’s much less common than other types, accounting for around 5% of new diagnoses. When identified early and treated appropriately, melanoma is rarely life-threatening. At Glasgow Skin Specialists, we offer prompt access to expert mole assessment, biopsy, and personalised treatment plans for patients concerned about melanoma.

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What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can develop anywhere on the body, though it most often appears on sun-exposed areas. It arises from pigment-producing cells and requires careful evaluation. Early detection and surgical removal are key to preventing progression or spread.

Signs and Symptoms

Appears as an unusual freckle or mole
May itch, bleed, or form a crust
Changes in size, shape, or colour
Looks different from your other moles

Melanoma treatment: what to expect

1 / Consultation

When you attend for your consultation, you will be seen by a specialist dermatologist or plastic surgeon, who will take a short medical history from you and some photographs of the lesion for your medical records. They will discuss with you your options for treatment, which will likely be removal of the skin cancer under local anaesthetic. Following this discussion, if you choose to proceed, you will be offered a further appointment to return for your operation.

2 / Surgical Procedure

The melanoma removal operation is carried out under local anaesthetic. These are skin-numbing injections, similar to that used at a dentist. Once the skin is numbed, the tumour is narrowly removed, and sent for histological examination. In most cases, the skin edges can then be brought together with stitches, leaving you with a straight scar.

3 / Histology and Results

All excised specimens are sent to a specialist pathology service, with histology results typically returned within seven working days. Histology costs are included within the treatment price, ensuring a transparent and comprehensive service.

If melanoma is confirmed, you will usually be recommended further treatment.

4 / Postoperative Care

Following your surgery, you will be given some aftercare information and offered a follow-up appointment free of charge, to ensure your wounds have healed satisfactorily and to take some post-operative photographs.

Depending on the stage of your melanoma, further treatment will be discussed with you. Early stage melanoma can be managed surgically under local anaesthetic, and followed-up every three months for a year. This can be offered by Glasgow Skin Specialists, or referred in to the NHS.

Later stage melanoma often requires surgery under general anaesthetic, and this is something that Glasgow Skin Specialists is not able to offer. Your care would therefore be referred in to the NHS.

Is Basal Cell Carcinoma Dangerous?

Basal Cell Carcinoma is very rarely life-threatening. It grows slowly and almost never spreads to other parts of the body. However, if left untreated, it can grow deeper into the skin and surrounding tissue, causing damage - especially on the face. That's why early diagnosis and treatment are important.
What does BCC look like?

BCCs can appear in different ways, but common signs include: - A shiny pearly bump (sometimes with visible blood vessels). - A sore that keeps bleeding, crusting, or not healing. - A flat, scar-like patch - A red, scaly area that might itch.
Can BCCs spread to other parts of the body?

BCC very rarely spreads (metastasises) beyond the skin. However, it can become locally invasive - meaning it grows wider and deeper if left untreated, especially in delicate areas like the nose, ears or eyelids.
What happens if I ignore it?

If left alone, a BCC will usually continue to grow. It can cause disfigurement or damage to nearby tissue, especially if on the face. Treatment is usually simpler and more effective when started early.
Will BCC surgery leave a scar?

Most BCC treatments do leave a small scar, but we take great care to minimise scarring and place incisions discreetly where possible. The scar often fades over time.
Does BCC treatment hurt?

All BCC operations are conducted under local anaesthetic. This feels slightly stingy but is not overly painful.

Why Choose Glasgow Skin Specialists?

Fast Access to Treatment

Avoid long NHS waiting lists—our fast-tracked service ensures prompt diagnosis and expert surgical care.

Doctor-led Care in a Safe Environment

Every procedure is performed by experienced, NHS-trained skin cancer specialists, ensuring patient safety, medical precision, and effective treatment.

Comprehensive Service with Histology Included

All specimens are analysed by a specialist pathology team, ensuring thorough diagnosis without hidden costs.

Tailored Approach for Optimal Outcomes

We focus on both medical success and cosmetic considerations, ensuring the best possible results.

Book Your Consultation Today

If you're concerned about a suspicious mole, persistent skin lesion, or unusual growth, contact us today to schedule a consultation and take control of your skin health.

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