German Skin Cancer Center

About

Globally, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, accounting for at least 40% of all cancer cases. Skin cancer develops when the cells of your outermost layer of skin, grow uncontrollably. This layer is composed of three main types of cells — squamous cells, basal cells, and melanocytes. The type of cancer depends on the cell type in which it starts. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer. It grows slowly and seldom spreads, but it may invade and destroy underlying tissues and bone if left untreated. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It grows faster than basal cell carcinoma and is more likely to metastasize. It can also invade and destroy underlying bone and muscle if left untreated. Basal cell carcinoma and Squamous cell carcinoma are broadly categorized as non-melanoma skin cancers. Melanoma is less common than the other two types, but it is more dangerous and can be life-threatening if left untreated. However, if caught early, there is a greater than 95% chance of it being completely cured. More than 90% of skin cancer cases are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, mainly from sunlight. 

Some risk factors increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer, such as: 

• fair skin

• light-coloured eyes

• light-coloured hair

• tendency to burn rather than tan

• history of severe sunburns

• many moles

• freckles

• family history of skin cancer

The incidence of both non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers has been increasing dramatically over the past decades. Currently, between 2 to 3 million non-melanoma skin cancers and 132,000 melanoma skin cancers occur globally each year. One in every three cancers diagnosed is skin cancer and, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation Statistics, one in five people will develop some form of skin cancer in their lifetime.

Therefore, regular skin checks and early detection and treatment is crucial. Thankfully, if detected early, skin cancer is completely curable. 

At the GMI we have a center dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and managing skin cancer. The center is led by an expert dermatologist who specialises in skin cancer. We use only the highest quality equipment in all our facilities, and confirm each diagnosis through a skin biopsy. The dermatology team collaborates closely with experts from the surgical teams, the radiation oncology team and medical oncology team to offer a tailored treatment plan to our patients with skin cancer, following our multi-disciplinary approach to medicine.

Departments Involved

Main Departments

Dermatology

Plastic Surgery

Radiation Oncology

Medical Oncology

Cooperative Departments

General Surgery

German Diagnostic Center

German Internal Medicine Center

German Center of Patient Support

Diagnostic Services

At the GMI Skin Cancer Center, our highly specialised professionals are dedicated to the early diagnosis and management of skin cancer. 

Using a dermatoscope, a handheld device that can magnify skin lesions up to 10 times, a specialized dermatologist assesses the colour and structure of each lesion, evaluating whether it has features that are specific to skin cancers, but which cannot be seen with the naked eye. In experienced hands an examination with a dermatoscope can lead to the early diagnosis of skin cancer. 

Furthermore, the dermatology department is equipped with a brand-new tool that automates total body mapping with digital dermoscopy and artificial intelligence. This not only photographs and records all moles on the body but also helps identify suspicious, new, and altered moles efficiently and precisely.

This tool scans and takes a picture of all moles a patient may have and recognises any anomalies that may need further assessment. All mole pictures can be magnified, and the characteristics of each mole can be analysed. Furthermore, these pictures can be saved and compared to a new set of pictures on a patient’s future visit to identify any new or changing moles. 

After careful examination using the tools above, our surgical dermatologist will perform a skin biopsy, removing the suspicious lesion if possible. This is done under local anaesthetic at our clinic, in a procedure that is as quick and convenient as possible. The wound is closed with a few stitches and a plaster is applied. The lesion is then sent to our histopathology laboratory for analysis of its cellular and molecular characteristics, which will provide accurate diagnosis and valuable details for further treatment, if necessary.

Treatments

The pathology report from the biopsy will guide any necessary further management. National and international protocols and guidelines are adopted for the management of a new diagnosis of skin cancer. 

We embrace a multi-disciplinary approach to medicine, where highly specialised professionals from teams of different specialties including dermatology, surgery, radiation oncology, and medical oncology meet weekly and discuss each new case to decide the optimal treatment for each patient.  

We offer a full spectrum of examinations in-house for every stage of the cancer journey including staging, managing, and monitoring, using the latest technology and equipment, including PET/CT, MRI scans.

Depending on the type of skin cancer, characteristics, and overall clinical staging of the cancer, further management may include advanced skin surgery and / or radiotherapy.  Advanced systemic disease may require treatment with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or new targeted treatments. 

We are here to guide and support you along the way.

FAQ