Non-melanoma skin cancer treatment at GenesisCare

There are a number of treatment options available for non-melanoma skin cancer, such as:

• Radiotherapy – high-energy radiation beams which are targeted at the cancer cells
• Surgery – removal of the part of the skin which contains the cancer
• Chemotherapy – anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs that destroy the cancerous cells, including topical chemotherapies (creams or ointments)

Other treatments available at GenesisCare or our partner hospitals include:

• Photodynamic therapy – medicine that destroys abnormal cells by using a light-sensitive drug and a light source
• Curettage – a procedure where the cancer cells are removed from the affected skin area using a spoon-shaped instrument
• Cryotherapy – cancer cells are destroyed using extreme cold that is focused on the affected skin area

At GenesisCare we diagnose and treat a wide range of cancers, and we understand that this can be a very worrying time. Our diagnostic services are world-class, and our commitment is to give you the answers you need, as quickly as possible. It’s important to remember that symptoms can often be caused by other conditions and not always non-melanoma skin cancer. But, whatever your diagnosis, we can make sure you get the expert care you need and without delay.

If you’re concerned about non-melanoma skin cancer symptoms, we offer specialist tests and diagnostics in our centres. Here you’ll see one of our expert consultants who specialise in cancers affecting the skin. They’ll assess your symptoms and, if necessary, refer you for diagnostic tests such as a biopsy.

Non-melanoma skin cancers can vary in appearance and cause different symptoms. Common signs of NMSC include a sore or lumpy area of skin that:

• Doesn’t heal within four weeks
• Looks unusual – for example, it could be red, white, black, brown or discoloured
• Itches, bleeds, hurts, crusts or scabs

Basal cell carcinomas are more likely to develop on areas of the body that are regularly exposed to sunlight, such as the head, neck and face.

Squamous cell carcinomas are usually found on skin that has been damaged by sun exposure. In people with paler skin, SCCs are often found around the face, neck, arms, hands and lower legs. If you have darker skin, you’re more likely to find SCCs around areas that have less sun exposure, including the lower legs, torso and genitals.

If you’re concerned about non-melanoma skin cancer, you should talk to your GP, and they can refer you to a dermatologist if they think it’s needed, or you can book directly with us.

No treatment is without side effects. Your doctor will explain these to you, together with the ways your treatment plan and integrative care can help manage or minimise these.

Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is a modern radiotherapy technique that directs beams of radiation in an arc across the treatment area. Together with image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT), it’s possible to precisely target areas of cancer, adjusting the beam and intensity of the radiation dose to allow for movements in the body and avoid healthy tissues. Side effects of radiotherapy occur when healthy tissues receive radiation, so using this technique helps to limit the dose to areas of the skin surrounding the non-melanoma skin cancer. At GenesisCare, we offer VMAT wherever possible because it is widely recognised to be the highest standard of care currently available for patients needing this type of radiotherapy.

For more specific information about VMAT radiotherapy for skin cancerisation.

We also offer palliative VMAT radiotherapy for those living with advanced or metastatic non-melanoma skin cancer, where it has spread elsewhere in the body, to improve pain and increase mobility. It is important to know that it’s very rare for non-melanoma to develop into advanced or metastatic non-melanoma skin cancer. We understand that fast access to palliative care is paramount and can usually provide treatment within 48 hours of a planning imaging scan.

No treatment is without side effects. Your doctor will explain these to you start your course of radiotherapy, together with the ways your treatment plan and supportive care can help to manage or minimise these.

Chemotherapy uses cytotoxic (anti-cancer) drugs to destroy cancer cells. Usually, you’ll have a topical cream chemotherapy. This is if you have superficial skin cancer which is only in the top layer, so you can apply the chemotherapy directly to the skin.

If your cancer has spread to other parts of the body, it’s called advanced or metastatic non-melanoma skin cancer. At GenesisCare, you can receive palliative drug treatment for advanced non-melanoma skin cancer, to reduce the size and progress of your cancer and ease any symptoms.

No treatment is without side effects. Your doctor will explain these to you depending on your drug treatment, together with how your treatment plan and integrative care can help to manage or minimise these.

Exercise medicine is a personalised programme of carefully planned and supported physical activity that has been shown to improve outcomes for cancer patients, enhancing your quality of life and limiting the impact of cancer, such as by improving strength and reducing fatigue. One of our physiotherapists specialising in exercise for people living with cancer will provide a 12-week programme tailored to your needs and supported by our dedicated GenesisCare Exercise Medicine app. They’ll work closely with you to monitor changes in your health and support you throughout the programme to help you get the best results. This is available at selected GenesisCare centres.

We also offer a wellbeing expert and holistic therapies such as counselling, acupuncture, and reflexology through our unique partnership with the Penny Brohn UK charity. This service is available to all ­­­­­non-melanoma skin cancer patients at any of our 14 UK centres, either face to face or remotely by phone or videoconferencing.

Our dedicated cancer centres are convenient and easy-to-access. You can use your private medical insurance, and we’re recognised by all leading insurers.

We are proud that so many patients rate our care as excellent as we help them through their cancer journey. Find out more about the unique experiences of people who have had their cancer diagnosis or treatment at GenesisCare in our patient stories section.

• Cancer Research UK
• Macmillan Cancer Support
• NHS England
• British Association of Dermatologists 
• British Skin Foundation