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Skin cancer treatment in Edinburgh

Assessment, biopsy, excision and reconstruction, all by the same consultant team, with every confirmed cancer discussed at the regional multidisciplinary team meeting. Where sentinel node biopsy or further treatment is needed, the same consultants arrange it through the NHS pathway.

Your consultants
Sterile instrument tray set for minor skin surgery in a Waterfront theatre
First appointment
Typically 1-2 weeks

Contents

When to seek a skin cancer assessment

Patients commonly book a skin cancer assessment when they have noticed one of the following.

  • A lesion that has not healed within a few weeks.
  • A scaly, crusted, or ulcerated patch that recurs.
  • A pearly nodule or translucent bump on sun-exposed skin.
  • A new pigmented mole appearing in adulthood, or an existing mole that has changed in size, shape, colour, or behaviour.
  • A history of significant sun exposure, repeated sunburns, or a family history of skin cancer.
  • Multiple atypical moles, immunosuppression, or a personal history of skin cancer.

Most lesions assessed by a consultant are benign. The purpose of the assessment is to confirm the diagnosis with histology where needed, and to start the treatment pathway promptly where a skin cancer is identified.

How skin cancer is managed at Waterfront

Skin cancer care at Waterfront is delivered end-to-end at a single site in Edinburgh, by the same consultant team from initial assessment through surgical treatment and follow-up.

The pathway begins with a consultation and full-body dermoscopic skin examination. Where a lesion requires investigation, an excisional biopsy is performed at Waterfront under local anaesthetic. Histology results normally return within approximately two weeks, and the result is communicated to you by the consultant who took the biopsy.

Treatment depends on the type of cancer confirmed. Basal cell carcinoma is most often managed by surgical excision with reconstruction where the site requires it. Squamous cell carcinoma follows the same surgical pathway, with high-risk cases discussed at MDT. Every confirmed melanoma is reviewed by the South East Scotland Melanoma Multidisciplinary Team, which Mr Aldridge chairs, with onward treatment plans set by the MDT.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy, lymph node clearance, and systemic treatment — including immunotherapy and targeted therapy — are not delivered at Waterfront. These are arranged through the MDT and delivered in the NHS pathway, with continuity preserved because both Mr Aldridge and Mr Nassar treat skin cancer in their NHS practice as well.

The three types of skin cancer treated at Waterfront

Skin cancer is a general term covering several distinct conditions. The three most common types treated at Waterfront are described below, each with a dedicated page on the procedure, pricing, and pathway.

Basal cell carcinoma

The most common form of skin cancer in the UK. Typically slow-growing, locally invasive, and rarely metastasising. Common presentations include a pearly or translucent nodule, a non-healing sore, or a slowly enlarging patch — most often on sun-exposed sites. Almost all basal cell carcinomas are managed surgically. Read more about basal cell carcinoma treatment at Waterfront.

Squamous cell carcinoma

The second most common skin cancer. Often presents as a scaly, crusted, or ulcerated lesion on sun-damaged skin, and can grow more quickly than basal cell carcinoma. High-risk squamous cell carcinoma — for example large, recurrent, head-and-neck, or in an immunosuppressed patient — is discussed at MDT. Most cases are managed by surgical excision with reconstruction. Read more about squamous cell carcinoma treatment at Waterfront.

Malignant melanoma

Less common than basal and squamous cell carcinoma but more serious because of its tendency to spread. Often arises from a new or changing pigmented mole. Every confirmed melanoma is reviewed by the South East Scotland Melanoma MDT, with surgery and reconstruction delivered at Waterfront. Sentinel lymph node biopsy and any systemic treatment are arranged through the NHS pathway. Read more about melanoma treatment at Waterfront.

What skin cancer surgery can and can’t do

Surgery cures most skin cancers, and for the three types we treat it is the main treatment. It cannot remove every risk of recurrence or of new cancers, and it always leaves a scar.

It can

  • Confirm the diagnosis by removing the lesion and sending it for histology.
  • Remove a basal or squamous cell carcinoma with a clear margin, and a melanoma with a wide local excision set by national guidance.
  • Reconstruct the area in the same operation where the site needs it.
  • Put melanomas and high-risk squamous cell carcinomas in front of the regional skin cancer team.

It can’t

  • Guarantee clear margins first time. A further excision is needed in a minority of cases, about 1 in 15 for basal cell carcinoma.
  • Rule out recurrence. About 1 in 25 basal cell carcinomas and 1 in 20 squamous cell carcinomas return at the same site; melanoma recurrence depends on stage.
  • Stop new skin cancers. After one basal cell carcinoma, about 1 in 3 people develop another within five years; after a squamous cell carcinoma, about 2 in 5.
  • Be done without a scar. The scar is longer than the lesion, and its final look depends on the site and the closure.
  • Cover every part of the pathway. Mohs surgery, sentinel lymph node biopsy, lymph node clearance and drug treatment are arranged through the NHS.

Your consultant will tell you at your consultation which of these apply to you.

What does skin cancer treatment cost?

Pricing depends on the cancer type, the size and site of the lesion, and whether reconstruction is needed. Indicative pricing for each cancer type is published on the dedicated pages for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. The full price for your individual case is confirmed in writing after consultation, before any procedure is booked.

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Questions before you book?

Ask anything about skin cancer treatment, its recovery, risks or cost, any time and in plain language. If you would like, our team can contact you afterwards.

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Patients often ask

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Quick answers

Which consultant will I see for skin cancer treatment?
Skin cancer at Waterfront is treated by Mr Ben Aldridge or Mr Kazem Nassar. Both are on the GMC Specialist Register and sit on the South East Scotland Melanoma MDT. Mr Aldridge is the UK’s only consultant dual-qualified in dermatology and plastic surgery and chairs the MDT; Mr Nassar is a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Both treat the full spectrum of skin cancer surgery, including reconstruction.
How quickly can I be seen?
Skin cancer assessment appointments are normally available within 1-2 weeks of booking.
How long does histology take?
Histology results from an excisional biopsy normally return within approximately two weeks. The result is communicated to you by the consultant who took the biopsy, usually within two weeks of the result returning.
What is the pathway from diagnosis to treatment?
The pathway begins with a consultant assessment and dermoscopy. Where a lesion requires investigation, an excisional biopsy is performed at Waterfront. Once histology confirms the type of cancer, treatment is planned. For most basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma cases this means surgical excision and reconstruction at Waterfront. For melanoma, the case is discussed at the South East Scotland Melanoma MDT before treatment is set. Follow-up after surgery is arranged by your consultant.
Do all skin cancers go to MDT?
Every confirmed melanoma is reviewed by the South East Scotland Melanoma MDT, which Mr Aldridge chairs and on which Mr Nassar also sits. High-risk squamous cell carcinoma — for example large, recurrent, head-and-neck, or in an immunosuppressed patient — is discussed at MDT where indicated. Most basal cell carcinomas are managed surgically without MDT discussion; MDT review is reserved for complex or recurrent cases.
What does the South East Scotland melanoma MDT do?
The MDT brings together consultant dermatologists, plastic surgeons, oncologists, pathologists, and clinical nurse specialists to review every confirmed melanoma in the region. It assesses the histology — Breslow thickness, ulceration, mitotic rate, margins — and agrees the treatment plan. Mr Aldridge chairs the MDT.
Why is reconstruction sometimes needed?
Some skin cancers — particularly on the face, ears, scalp, or hands — leave a defect after wide local excision that cannot be closed directly without distortion of the surrounding tissue. In those cases, reconstruction with a skin flap or graft is planned in the same procedure as the excision. The same consultant performs both, so the surgical plan is coherent.
What happens if the margins aren’t clear on first excision?
If histology shows that the cancer extends to the edge of the initial excision, a further excision is needed to achieve clear margins. This is part of standard skin cancer management. The further excision is performed at Waterfront by the same consultant.
Where does sentinel lymph node biopsy or systemic treatment happen?
Sentinel lymph node biopsy, lymph node clearance, immunotherapy, and other systemic treatment are not delivered at Waterfront. They are arranged through the MDT and delivered in the NHS pathway. Both Mr Aldridge and Mr Nassar treat skin cancer in their NHS practice — including sentinel lymph node biopsy and lymph node clearance — so the consultant who treats you at Waterfront may also be the consultant managing you in the NHS.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book a skin cancer assessment at Waterfront directly. If you would like a copy of the consultation summary sent to your GP, the consultant can arrange that at the appointment.

Our skin cancer consultants

Skin cancer at Waterfront is treated by Mr Ben Aldridge — the UK’s only consultant dual-qualified in dermatology and plastic surgery, with a PhD in skin lesion diagnostics, co-author of national skin cancer guidelines, and chair of the South East Scotland Melanoma Multidisciplinary Team — and by Mr Kazem Nassar, consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Both consultants are on the GMC Specialist Register and sit on the South East Scotland Melanoma MDT. Both treat skin cancer in their NHS practice — including sentinel lymph node biopsy, lymph node clearance, and complex reconstruction — providing continuity between Waterfront and NHS care.

You meet your consultant at your first appointment. The same consultant plans your treatment, carries it out and sees you afterwards.

Mr Ben Aldridge

Consultant plastic and dermatological surgeon

GMC Specialist Register (Plastic Surgery)Dual trained in dermatology

Mr Kazem Nassar

Consultant plastic surgeon

GMC Specialist Register (Plastic Surgery)

Routine Skin Check

Had my six monthly skin review a month early as I had noticed a lesion near my eye. Dr Aldridge seen me within 48 hours and surgery arranged for a couple of weeks later to have the lesion removed (which was diagnosed as as an early skin cancer). Extremely efficient service yet again from Waterfront and being able to have these skin checks done routinely alleviates any worries for me as a person that has had several skin cancers over the years.

Linda Wallace
Oct 2026 Read on Trustpilot (opens in a new tab)

4.9TrustScoreout of 5

584 reviews

All reviews on Trustpilot

Brilliant experience! Friendly and efficient welcoming staff in a spotless and relaxing waiting area; tea, coffee and water available. Medical staff are also friendly, making you feel at ease even if you are tense about your condition, and very professionally expert. I saw Dr Ben Aldridge about a skin lesion diagnosed as a Basal/squamour cell carcinoma. I had watched the lesion grow over several weeks and was anxious for it to be removed before it developed further. I was immediately offered surgery under local anaesthetic the very next day when Dr Aldridge operated to remove the growth. I await the results of a biopsy, but the growth has been removed , The excision was quick and painless, neatly stitched and is now healing. Considerate, thorough and reassuring, he talked me through the process both before, during and after the operation. I can't speak more highly of Dr Aldridge and the staff at the Waterfront and for any dermatological diagnosis and procedure, would recommend this hospital without hesitation.

Geoff Welford
November 2025 Read on Google (opens in a new tab)

Google

4.9

119 reviews, out of 5

  • 5-star reviews: 113
  • 4-star reviews: 5
  • 3-star reviews: 0
  • 2-star reviews: 0
  • 1-star reviews: 1
All reviews on Google

Risks, and how often they happen

Every procedure carries some risk. Here they are in three groups. Your consultant will go through them with you, and they are in your written consent.

Expected Almost everyone, and they settle

  • A scar, longer than the lesion, or in the shape of the flap or graft used to close the wound. It is red or pink at first and fades over 12 to 18 months.
  • Swelling and bruising around the wound for the first one to two weeks.
  • Discomfort for a day or two, eased by simple painkillers.
  • Numbness or altered sensation around the scar, which usually settles over weeks to months and occasionally persists.

Uncommon Some patients, and some need further treatment

  • Cancer at or close to the edge of the excision on histology, which usually means a further excision or discussion at the regional meeting.
  • Wound infection that needs a course of antibiotics.
  • Bleeding after surgery that needs pressure, a dressing change or a return to have the wound checked.
  • Wound breakdown, or partial loss of a flap or graft, which heals with dressings but can leave a wider scar.
  • A raised, thickened scar (hypertrophic or keloid), more likely on the chest, shoulders, upper back and earlobes and in darker skin. It can be treated but not always fully flattened.

Rare but serious

  • The cancer coming back at the same site. About 1 in 25 basal cell carcinomas over five years and about 1 in 20 squamous cell carcinomas; melanoma depends on stage.
  • Spread to the lymph nodes or beyond. Basal cell carcinoma almost never spreads. About 1 in 25 squamous cell carcinomas do. Melanoma risk is set by thickness and stage.
  • Injury to a nerve beneath the skin on the face, scalp or neck, which can cause lasting numbness or, rarely, weakness of a nearby muscle. Your consultant plans around the known danger zones.
  • A serious reaction to the local anaesthetic.
  • A serious reaction to a general anaesthetic, where one is used for a larger reconstruction.

For the long term

  • New skin cancers are more likely. Check your skin monthly and ask for a review if a spot grows, bleeds, crusts or does not heal.
  • Follow-up depends on the cancer. A fully excised low-risk basal cell carcinoma usually needs none; squamous cell carcinoma follow-up is one visit for low-risk and up to three years for high-risk; melanoma follow-up is one year for stage 1A and five years from stage 1B.
  • Sun protection matters from now on. Shade between 11am and 3pm, a hat and clothing, and SPF 30 or higher with UVA protection on exposed skin.
  • More on each cancer is on our basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma pages.
  • Figures for each cancer are on our basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma pages.
Where these figures come from

Figures are drawn from UK national guidance and published studies, and your own risk may be higher or lower. More from the British Association of Dermatologists on basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Aftercare and follow-up

After surgical excision at Waterfront, a nurse reviews the wound at one week, and more often if needed in the early healing period. Your consultant reviews you at around six months once the result has settled. Between then, your consultant is always available — if anything concerns you, they will respond directly and arrange to see you as soon as needed.

Long-term surveillance after skin cancer is set by cancer type and stage. Basal cell carcinoma after complete excision is usually managed without scheduled long-term follow-up, with the patient advised to return if any new lesions appear. Squamous cell carcinoma follow-up depends on risk features and may extend over several years. Melanoma follow-up follows national guidelines and is normally delivered through the NHS pathway by the same consultants who treat you at Waterfront; ongoing surveillance can also be arranged at Waterfront where preferred.

  1. Day of surgeryHome within the hour. Most skin surgery is under local anaesthetic.
  2. Next dayBack to office work. Heavy, dirty or wet jobs need a few days.
  3. Days 7–14Stitches out at Waterfront.
  4. 3–4 weeksHistology results, where a sample is sent to the laboratory.
  5. 12 monthsNurse reviews, dressing clinics and the treatment of any complications are included.

Typical timings. Your consultant and nurse will tailor them to you.

Two theatre staff in scrubs going through notes together