Skin Cancer Medical Negligence Solicitors - UK Compensation Claim Lawyers
Skin cancer is classified as the �uncontrolled growth� of skin cells that are abnormal. If not regularly checked and quickly addressed, these cancerous skin cells can spread from the skin to other organs and tissues of the body.
There are three different forms of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Melanoma is less common but extremely dangerous; basal cell carcinomas are the most common form of skin cancer.
The outermost layer of the skin is known as the epidermis and is composed of a variety of different types of cells. Cancers of the skin are broken into categories depending on which type of skin cells are affected. Basal cell carcinomas develop when there is abnormal growth of the skin cells in the lowest epidermal layer. Squamous cell carcinomas are changes to the squamous cells which are located in the middle portion of the epidermal layer. Melanoma develops in the cells that produce pigmentation known as the melanocytes. This form of cancer is less common than the other two forms, but is considered to be much more serious. The majority of deaths from skin cancer are due to melanoma.
Melanoma & Non Melanoma
Skin cancers are also sometimes referred to as melanoma or non-melanoma. Of course, basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas are the most common types of non-melanoma cancers. Other types of non-melanoma skin cancers include cutaneous lymphoma, Kaposi�s sarcoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma.
Risk Factors
Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. There are also several known risk factors for the disease, which include:
- Sun Exposure :- Most skin cancers are found on skin that has been regularly exposed to ultraviolet radiation, sunlight or has been sunburned.
- Skin Complexion :- People with fair, or light colored skin, eyes, and hair are more likely to develop skin cancer.
- Age :- Skin cancer that is classified as non-melanoma is more common in people over the age of forty.
- Hereditary :- People with a family history of skin cancer, especially melanoma, are at higher risk for developing the condition.
It is important to note that skin cancer can occur in anyone, even if you have none of the risk factors listed above. People who are young, otherwise healthy, have dark skin, eyes, and hair, and do not regularly spend time in the sun can still develop cancers of the skin.
Diagnosis
It is also important to understand what types of skin discolorations and lumps need to be taken seriously and should be further examined by a medical professional. Basal cell carcinomas usually start off as a red bump that may be smooth, waxy, firm, crusty, pearly, or even bleed. Squamous cell carcinomas are usually scaly in nature, and have a hard horn-like cap that form in areas of the skin that have suffered damage due to excess sun exposure. Most of these carcinomas are found on the hands, lower legs, arms, scalps, or on the face. Melanomas are usually dark in color, irregular in shape, and may contain several different colors. Misdiagnosis of skin cancer is common and our medical negligence solicitors may be able to take action to claim compensation on your behalf.
Misdiagnosis
In most cases, patients are referred to a dermatological specialist, plastic surgeon, general surgeon or oncologist to further evaluate the severity of the suspected cancer. The majority of medical negligence claims that have to do with skin cancer are because of a medical professional who dismisses the skin spot as a less serious condition. Tests such as biopsy, CT or MRI scans, and x-rays should be used to make a proper diagnosis.
Skin Cancer Medical Negligence Solicitors
If you or someone you know has suffered a skin cancer misdiagnosis, contact one of our medical negligence solicitors today to see how we can help. All cases are taken on a no win no fee* basis, so you have nothing to lose. We operate the no win no fee* scheme otherwise known as a conditional fee agreement. No legal charge is payable unless the legal case is won and the client obtains an award of compensation. In the event that the legal claim is lost there is no charge made to the client.
The author of the substantive medical writing on this website is Dr. Christine Traxler MD whose biography can be read here