Claire Levene
Solicitor
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Solicitor | Medical Negligence
Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness
May is both Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month and serves as a timely reminder, as the weather becomes warmer, to cover up in the sun and use sun protection cream to help reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.
There are different types of skin cancer, with the most well-known being basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. BCCs and SCCs occur more commonly than melanoma. Our team has dealt with claims involving the diagnosis and treatment of all three of these conditions.
Causes and Risk Factors
Skin cancers mainly occur due to skin damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, whether from the sun or from sunbed use.
There is a risk of skin damage and resulting skin cancer regardless of skin type, although the risk is greater for people with pale skin that burns easily or freckles following exposure to the sun.
Delayed Diagnosis and Treatment of Skin Cancer
Early diagnosis of skin cancer is extremely important. Delays in diagnosis or treatment can allow the disease to progress, sometimes resulting in more invasive treatment, permanent scarring, reduced life expectancy, or terminal illness.
Our team has dealt with skin cancer cases involving:
- Delay in diagnosis of skin cancer, leading to more extensive treatment due to the spread of the disease during the period of delay
- Delay in diagnosis of melanoma, leading to terminal cancer and reduced life expectancy
- Misdiagnosis of skin cancer type, leading to further and more extensive treatment
- Incorrect diagnosis of skin cancer or skin cancer type, leading to unnecessary treatment and additional scarring
- Failure to take an adequate margin on excision, leading to further otherwise unnecessary surgery
- Misreporting of histology, resulting in delays in diagnosis and inadequate treatment
- Administrative errors, including delays in dealing with urgent cancer referrals and arranging follow-up care or monitoring
The Importance of Awareness
Awareness campaigns such as Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month help encourage people to recognise suspicious skin changes early and seek medical advice promptly.
Potential warning signs of skin cancer may include:
- A new or changing mole
- Changes in size, shape, or colour of a mole
- Bleeding or itching skin lesions
- Sores that do not heal
- Unusual patches or lumps on the skin
Early investigation and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
How We Can Help
If you or a loved one believe you may have suffered harm as a result of negligent treatment, delayed diagnosis, or errors in the management of skin cancer or melanoma, our specialist legal team can advise you on your options and whether you may be entitled to compensation.
Call us to discuss making a claim on a no win, no fee basis, send us an email ab@phoenixlegalsolicitors.co.uk, or submit one of our contact forms to receive a free call back.
0151 306 3694 Enquire by email Submit a form