Skin Cancer Treatment in Edinburgh
Skin cancer treatment at Waterfront Private Hospital is delivered as an end-to-end pathway in Edinburgh — assessment, excisional biopsy, wide local excision, and reconstruction performed by the same consultant team. Care is led by Mr Ben Aldridge, chair of the South East Scotland Melanoma MDT and the UK’s only consultant dual-qualified in dermatology and plastic surgery, and by Mr Kazem Nassar, consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Both are on the GMC Specialist Register. Where sentinel lymph node biopsy or systemic treatment is required, these are arranged through the NHS pathway by the same consultants.
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Basal cancer cell removal
I had a surgical incision to remove a Basal Cell Carcinoma. It was a brilliant experience and result. The patient care and after surgery attention was outstanding. I am so grateful.
Sandy Alexander
Nov 2024
Overview
- Care team: Mr Ben Aldridge or Mr Kazem Nassar — both on the South East Scotland Melanoma MDT.
- Pathway: consultation, excisional biopsy, MDT review of histology where indicated, wide local excision and reconstruction at Waterfront.
- Cancers treated: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.
- Not delivered at Waterfront: sentinel lymph node biopsy and systemic treatment — arranged through the MDT and NHS pathway by the same consultants.
- Time from booking to consultation: typically 1-2 weeks.
How skin cancer is managed at Waterfront
p>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.
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.
Risks and considerations
Surgical excision of a skin cancer carries the same general risks as any minor or moderate surgical procedure — bruising, infection, scarring, and altered sensation around the wound. The site of the lesion influences the appearance of the final scar; your consultant will discuss this in detail before surgery.
Margin reassessment is occasionally needed. If histology shows that the cancer extends to the edge of the initial excision, a further excision may be required to achieve clear margins. This is part of standard skin cancer management.
Recurrence risk depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Most basal cell carcinomas have very low recurrence rates after complete excision. Squamous cell carcinoma recurrence rates are higher and depend on size, depth, and site. Melanoma recurrence risk is set by Breslow thickness, ulceration, and any nodal involvement. The detailed risk for your individual case is discussed once histology is available.
No skin check or surgical excision can prevent new skin cancers developing elsewhere. Patients with a personal history of skin cancer, significant sun damage, or other risk factors are usually advised to continue ongoing surveillance.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions about skin cancer treatment
Which consultant will I see for skin cancer treatment?
How quickly can I be seen?
How long does histology take?
What is the pathway from diagnosis to treatment?
Do all skin cancers go to MDT?
What does the South East Scotland Melanoma MDT do?
Why is reconstruction sometimes needed?
What happens if the margins aren’t clear on first excision?
Where does sentinel lymph node biopsy or systemic treatment happen?
Do I need a GP referral?
First class service
I would highly recommend the Waterfront Hospital. All members of staff I encountered were professional, kind and reassuring. I saw Dr Ben Aldridge and underwent a minor surgical procedure. From start to finish, the service was delivered to an extremely high standard. Many thanks.
A. Weddell
Nov 2023
