There are three main categories of skin cancer:
Basal cell cancer is the most common type of skin cancer. It is slow growing and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. It is sometimes referred to as a “rodent ulcer”.
Squamous cell cancer is also generally slower growing but if it isn’t caught in the early stages, it does have the potential to spread to other parts of the body. Occasionally and SCC can behave aggressively and spread quickly, but this is unusual.
Melanoma is less common than BCC and SCC but it is a more unpredictable cancer. If caught early there is a very good chance of cure but some melanomas behave aggressively and spread to the rest of the body.
Sarcoma is a cancer that arises from the bone or connective tissue. Sarcoma is managed at specialist centres and the most local specialist centre for Berkshire sarcoma patients is the Nuffield orthopaedic centre which is part of the Oxford University Hospitals (OUH). Patients in the Berkshire area who are diagnosed with sarcoma will have their case discussed at the Oxford sarcoma specialist Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) and will most likely be treated and managed by the OUH team.
The skin cancer nursing service also offers support to patients who are undergoing tests for suspected sarcoma. If a known sarcoma patient is admitted to the Royal Berkshire Hospital while undergoing treatment the acute oncology service provides support. We act as a service to facilitate communication between the sarcoma patient and their specialist centre and also to offer support to patients and their families.
There is a lot to take in when you are newly diagnosed with a sarcoma or skin cancer. Find out what to expect and what might help you cope if you've just been diagnosed.
Cancer diagnosis - Macmillan Cancer Support
Waiting for a diagnosis - Melanoma Focus
There are different was to treat and manage skin and sarcoma cancers. The following links give some useful information, but your specific treatment plan will be discussed with you and a member of the skin team.
Skin cancer - Macmillan Cancer Support
Melanoma (types, symptoms, treatment) - Macmillan Cancer Support
It is the policy of the Multi-Disciplinary Team that all patients with a new diagnosis of skin and sarcoma cancer will be discussed at a multi-disciplinary team meeting. This ensures that each patient gets the benefit of several specialist opinions and that individualised treatment plans are formulated. At this meeting, the team will discuss individual treatment plans and follow-up arrangements to ensure that every patient with cancer receives the best possible care.
All cancer patients have access to a Clinical Nurse Specialist who they can contact about any aspect of cancer, treatment, recovery, or support.
