Our specialist skin cancer service provides care to people with high-risk skin cancer. This includes follow-up and surveillance for melanoma and other high-risk cancer patients.
All patients are given access to our skin cancer clinical nurse specialist team from the time of diagnosis and onwards.
We also provide support to local and regional skin cancer services, including Carlisle and Northumbria.
Staff you are likely to meet
Our specialist team consists of specialists in skin cancer care. These include dermatologists, plastic surgeons, medical and clinical oncologists, radiologists, histopathologists, geneticists, clinical nurse specialists, and skin cancer co-ordinators.
Our plastic surgeons are experts in the surgical management of melanoma and high-risk skin cancers. They work very closely with other members of the team to ensure the best possible care for patients.
Our surgeons remove skin cancers from all parts of the body, but also perform block dissection of regional lymph nodes. They also perform complex reconstructive surgery.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) service
The Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) service is available to most patients diagnosed with melanoma.
The lymph gland thought to be draining the melanoma, is removed and assessed for melanoma spread. Sometimes more than one gland is removed.
This can help determine the stage of the melanoma, provide prognostic information, and help to guide further treatment.
Our skin cancer clinical nurse specialists (your key worker)
Our clinical nurse specialists are integral members of our skin cancer team. The nurse specialist (key worker) is a key point of contact for melanoma patients and their families/carers throughout diagnosis, treatment and follow up.
They are able to provide emotional, psychological and educational advice to patients in the clinical environment or over the telephone. They are always happy to discuss/clarify any information given or to discuss any concerns/options patients may have.
Contact the advice service:
Telephone: 0191 282 4110
Further information
British Association of Dermatology
The British Association of Dermatology has designed a website to provide helpful, impartial information and advice on living with a skin condition. As well as information on skin diseases and treatments, we have tips on navigating the NHS, finding a dermatologist, how to get involved with research, advocating for local services, and much more.
British Association of DermatologyMelanoma UK
A patient support and advocacy group dedicated to helping skin cancer patients at all stages.
Telephone: 0808 171 2455
Macmillan Cancer Support
Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer. They provide booklets on cancer and treatments. The helplines provide cancer information and benefits advice as well as an interactive online community forum.
Telephone: 0808 808 0000
Macmillan Cancer SupportMaggie’s Centre
Maggie’s have drop-in centres located around the country where they can offer practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their families and friends. They also have the Maggie’s Online Centre, where people can communicate and share experiences with other people who have been affected by cancer
Telephone: 0300 123 1801
Email: [email protected]
Marie Curie
Marie Curie provides care and support for people living with any terminal illness, whilst also supporting carers and family members. Marie Curie also provides information on practical support which is available to view online or accessible through their helpline.
Telephone: 0800 090 2309
Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK provides information online to view and download. They also have an online forum for patients and carers as well as a national helpline.
Telephone: 0808 800 4040
