Skin Cancer Treatment in Singapore

Trusted Care for Early Detection and Effective Management of Skin Cancer and Melanoma

Dr Gerard Ee Profile Photo
Dr Gerard Ee

MBBS (UK), MRCS (Edinburgh), DP Dermatology (Cardiff)

What is Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is defined as the abnormal, uncontrolled growth of skin cells, most often triggered by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds — a particular risk given the intense sun exposure in Singapore. This UV damage mutates the skin cell DNA, leading to unregulated multiplication and the formation of malignant tumors. These typically manifest as new growths, changing moles, or non-healing sores, usually appearing on sun-exposed areas.

Understanding your risk factors — such as family history, prolonged sun exposure, or weakened immunity — is vital, as early detection is key to effective treatment. When diagnosed promptly, skin cancer, including aggressive forms like melanoma, can be treated.

Types of Skin Cancer

There are several types of skin cancer, each with its own distinct characteristics and requiring specific treatment approaches.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer, originating in the basal cells of the epidermis, which produce new skin cells. It’s typically a slow-growing and locally invasive tumour, meaning it tends to stay in the original location but can damage surrounding tissue if untreated.

  • Common Appearance: Pearly or waxy bump; flat, scar-like lesion. Often on face, ears, neck.
  • Risk Factors: Sun exposure, fair skin, sunburn history, radiation.
  • Treatment: Surgery (excision, Mohs), freezing, topical creams, radiation.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common skin cancer, arising from the squamous cells in the outer layer of the skin, particularly in areas with actinic (sun) damage. SCC has a higher potential to spread (metastasise) compared to BCC, especially if not treated early, and can potentially reach lymph nodes or distant organs. UV-induced TP53 gene mutations are frequently involved in its development.

  • Common Appearance: Firm, red nodule; scaly patch. Often on sun-exposed areas.
  • Risk Factors: Sun exposure, fair skin, sunburn history, precancerous spots.
  • Treatment: Surgery (excision, Mohs), freezing, topical creams, radiation. May need more for advanced cases.

Malignant melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, originating from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the skin. It has a high potential to metastasise (spread) rapidly to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early with prompt, aggressive treatment. Melanoma can develop from an existing mole or appear as a new dark spot.

  • Common Appearance: Changing or new dark spot with irregular features (size, shape, colour). Can occur anywhere.
  • Risk Factors: Family history, many or unusual moles, fair skin, severe sunburns.
  • Treatment: Surgery is primary. Advanced cases may need lymph node removal, radiation, or systemic therapies.

Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer

Recognising the early warning signs of skin cancer is critical for prompt diagnosis and effective treatment. If you notice any of the following symptoms, especially on sun-exposed areas, seek professional advice:

  • New or Unusual Growths: The appearance of a new spot, lump, or discoloured patch on your skin.
  • Changing Moles or Spots: Moles or spots that change in size, shape, or colour. For guidance on monitoring changes, you can schedule a professional mole check in Singapore with Dr Ee.
  • Irregular Features: Moles with raised or irregular borders, uneven colour, or asymmetry (where one half doesn’t match the other).
  • Non-Healing Lesions: Sores or lesions that bleed, itch, or do not heal within several weeks.
  • Persistent Patches: Scaly or red patches that persist, enlarge over time, or become itchy or tender.

When to See a Skin Cancer Specialist

Early intervention significantly improves outcomes. It is important to book an evaluation with a skin cancer specialist in Singapore, like Dr Ee, if you identify any high-risk factors or suspicious symptoms:

  • Suspicious Changes: Any changes in the size, shape, colour, or texture of existing moles or skin lesions.
  • Persistent Symptoms: Sores, scaly patches, or growths that do not heal or persist for more than four weeks.
  • High-Risk History: A significant family history of skin cancer (especially melanoma) or a personal history of excessive or prolonged sun exposure.
  • Previous Diagnosis: If you have previously been diagnosed with any type of skin cancer.

What are the Stages of Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is classified into stages based on the size of the tumour, its depth of invasion, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Staging helps guide the appropriate approach to skin cancer treatment in Singapore.

Stage 0 (Carcinoma in situ)

Cancer cells are confined entirely to the top layer of the skin (epidermis). This stage is usually highly treatable with early intervention.

Stage I

The tumour is small and localised, with minimal invasion into the deeper skin layers (dermis). The risk of spread is low.

Stage II

The tumour is larger or has invaded deeper into the skin layers. This stage indicates a slightly higher risk of spreading locally.

Stage III

The cancer has spread beyond the primary site to nearby tissues, such as lymph nodes. This stage typically requires more intensive, comprehensive treatment.

Stage IV

The cancer is advanced and has metastasised (spread) to distant organs (e.g., lungs, brain). Treatment at this stage may require systemic therapy, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy.

Skin Cancer Treatment Options

Dr Gerard Ee offers a range of skin cancer treatment options in Singapore, tailored to your specific diagnosis and condition. Understanding that each case is unique, Dr Ee will recommend the most appropriate approach to achieve the best possible outcome.

Surgical removal is the primary and most effective treatment for most localised skin cancers. Dr Ee is highly skilled in various techniques, prioritising both complete removal and optimal cosmetic results.

  • Excisional Surgery: This primary method involves the precise cutting out of the cancerous tissue along with a surrounding margin of healthy skin to ensure complete removal. The procedure is typically done under local anaesthesia. Dr Ee ensures meticulous wound closure to minimise scarring.
  • Mohs Surgery: For cancers in cosmetically sensitive areas (like the face) or those with a high risk of recurrence, Dr Ee offers specialised Mohs surgery. This technique involves sequentially removing and examining thin layers of tissue under a microscope until no cancer cells remain. This maximises tissue preservation.
  • Curettage & Electrodessication: Used primarily for superficial, low-risk cancers, this technique involves scraping the cancerous tissue (curettage) followed by using an electric needle to destroy any remaining cancer cells (electrodessication).

Following any surgical procedure, Dr Ee arranges for prompt histopathology (lab check) of the removed tissue to confirm the successful eradication of the cancer. Detailed recovery instructions and follow-up care are provided to ensure proper healing.

These alternative or adjunct treatments are often used for advanced cancers, those that have spread, or for patients who may not be suitable for surgery. As a melanoma specialist in Singapore, Dr Ee evaluates the necessity for these systemic treatments.

  • Radiation Therapy: This uses high-energy rays to precisely target and destroy cancer cells. It may be recommended as a primary option for non-surgical candidates or used after surgery to address any remaining cancer cells and minimise recurrence.
  • Immunotherapy: These systemic treatments, such as checkpoint inhibitors, use medications to boost your body’s immune system to recognise and fight advanced cancer cells.
  • Targeted Therapy: These drugs focus on specific genetic mutations (like the BRAF mutation in melanoma) that drive cancer growth, offering a personalised approach to stopping cell proliferation.
  • Chemotherapy: This employs drugs, administered systemically (oral/injection) or topically (cream), to directly kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. It is generally reserved for advanced cases.
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Trusted Care by Dr Gerard Ee

MBBS (UK), MRCS (Edinburgh), DP Dermatology (Cardiff)

Dr Gerard Ee earned his medical degree (MBBS) from St George’s University of London. He worked at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH), the National University Hospital (NUH) and Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. He then pursued further training and became a member of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) in Edinburgh.

Dr Ee is a fully trained and certified aesthetic surgeon, accredited in Botox, fillers, acne lasers, and light therapy. He has over 10 years of experience performing aesthetic procedures, including acne scar removal in Singapore, as well as providing comprehensive skin cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. With a commitment to helping patients make informed decisions about their skin health, he provides a comfortable and supportive environment for all.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Cancer Treatment

Yes, skin cancer can recur after treatment. While the likelihood depends on factors like the type and stage of the cancer and the treatment approach Dr Gerard Ee uses, it’s a possibility. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) treated by Dr Ee often have a lower risk of recurrence, especially when addressed in the early stages. However, melanoma, even with Dr Ee’s expert management, carries a higher risk of recurrence, particularly if diagnosed at a more advanced stage.

To minimise this risk, Dr Ee emphasises the importance of regular follow-up appointments and skin cancer screenings at his clinic in Singapore. This allows for the early detection of any new or recurrent skin cancers, enabling prompt intervention and improved outcomes under his care. Dr Ee also provides guidance on crucial sun safety measures to help patients reduce their risk of developing new skin cancers.

Protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure is the most effective way to prevent skin cancer. This includes:

  • Trying to stay in the shade as much as possible during peak sun hours (around 10am-4pm).
  • Covering up exposed skin with long-sleeved shirts, long pants, wide-brimmed hats, or sunglasses when outdoors.
  • Applying broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to all exposed skin, even on cloudy days.
  • Reapplying sunscreen every two to four hours when outdoors.
  • Avoiding tanning beds.

You should also perform regular self-exams to look for any new or changing moles or spots. If you notice anything suspicious, schedule an appointment with Dr Ee, a skin cancer and melanoma specialist in Singapore, for a professional screening. Early detection is key to successful skin cancer treatment.

The frequency of follow-up skin cancer screenings with Dr Gerard Ee after treatment will be tailored to your situation. This includes the type of skin cancer you were treated for, its stage at diagnosis, your individual risk factors, and Dr Ee’s professional recommendations.

Generally, for patients treated by Dr Ee for BCC or SCC, check-ups may be recommended every few months initially, transitioning to annually or less frequently if no recurrence is detected. However, for melanoma patients under Dr Ee’s care, more frequent monitoring, potentially every 3 to 6 months in the beginning, followed by annual checks or, as advised by Dr Ee, may be necessary.

During these follow-up appointments at Dr Ee’s clinic, he will thoroughly examine your skin for any signs of recurrence or new skin cancers and may perform a skin biopsy if indicated.

Concerns about chemotherapy are understandable. Dr Gerard Ee typically reserves chemotherapy for more advanced cases of skin cancer, where cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic disease) or when other treatment options are not suitable or have been unsuccessful.

For early-stage and localised skin cancers, such as many BCCs and SCCs, Dr Ee often uses highly effective local treatments like surgical excision or Mohs surgery. While chemotherapy is a powerful tool for systemic cancer treatment, Dr Ee will carefully assess your specific situation to determine if it is the most appropriate and necessary course of action, always considering the potential side effects and your overall well-being.

Generally, skin cancer treatment is minimally painful. Most procedures, such as surgical excision and Mohs surgery, are performed under local anaesthesia to ensure the area is completely numb. You may feel slight pressure or movement, but little to no pain during the procedure itself. Post-treatment discomfort is typically managed effectively with over-the-counter pain relievers and is usually described as mild soreness.

Recovery time varies significantly depending on the type and size of the cancer, the location, and the treatment method used.

  • Minor Excisions: Recovery for small, superficial excisions usually involves a few days of tenderness, with stitches removed in about 7 to 14 days.
  • Mohs Surgery: The wound typically heals over several weeks, but initial functional recovery is usually quick.
  • Systemic Therapies (Immunotherapy/Chemotherapy): Recovery involves managing potential side effects, which can vary greatly.

Dr Ee will provide a detailed, personalised recovery timeline based on your specific procedure.

The primary difference lies in the origin of the cells and the resulting risk of spread.

Non-melanoma skin cancers, such as BCC and SCC, originate from the basal or squamous cells and are the most common types. These typically appear as pearly bumps, red scaly patches, or non-healing sores. Critically, non-melanoma skin cancers generally have a low risk of metastasising (spreading) to distant organs.

Melanoma, however, is the most serious type because it originates from melanocytes — the skin’s pigment-producing cells. It often appears as a new, changing, or irregular dark spot/mole. Melanoma carries a significantly higher risk of spreading rapidly throughout the body, making early detection by a melanoma specialist particularly vital for effective skin cancer treatment in Singapore.

A definitive diagnosis can only be made by a medical professional like Dr Ee. You should seek evaluation if you notice any changes consistent with the ABCDE warning signs:

  • Asymmetry
  • Border irregularity
  • Colour variations (multiple shades)
  • Diameter larger than 6mm
  • Evolving (changing in size, shape, or symptom)

Any lesion that bleeds, itches, or fails to heal within a few weeks warrants an immediate professional mole check in Singapore.

Ready to schedule your professional skin check? Contact us now to book your skin cancer screening and consultation!