Mole Care

Healthcare Group’s Mole and Skin Lesion Clinic

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. In Guernsey, non-melanoma skin cancers account for approximately 45% of all diagnosed cancers and the incidence of skin cancer in younger people is increasing annually.

Prevention is better than cure, and with early detection, treatment is usually simple.

The Mole and Skin Lesion Clinic can undertake:

• A whole-body skin-check.

• Full body digital mole mapping.

• The assessment of moles or any other skin lesions of concern.

• The assessment and treatment of sun-damaged skin.

• Advice on how to protect your skin and monitor yourself for signs of concern.

Important information for patients attending the mole and skin lesion clinic

• Please do not wear any makeup as this makes the assessment of facial skin very difficult.

• Undertaking a full skin check will require undressing to the undergarments. Please wear something you feel comfortable in, such as shorts and a sports bra. If you would like a chaperone to be present, please inform us before the appointment.

Dr Ed Partridge runs the service at our new clinic at St Martins Surgery on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. He is accredited by the RCGP and the British Association of Dermatologists in skin lesion management and skin surgery. He is also a member of the Guernsey Multidisciplinary Skin Cancer Team.

Dr Partridge holds a master's degree in Practical Dermatology with distinction. His dissertation focused on the diagnosis and treatment of sun-damaged skin and skin cancers. In addition, he has been awarded the Expert Certificate of Skin Cancer Medicine by the Bond University, Australia.

Dr Partridge uses a specialist skin microscope, called a dermatoscope, to undertake a very detailed skin assessment.

After the assessment, a comprehensive treatment plan will be discussed:

• Areas of sun-damaged skin can be managed at the clinic. This can involve either freezing the lesion (cryotherapy) or specialist creams, which are available on prescription.

• Patients with low-risk skin cancers or benign lesions that are problematic will be advised about having these removed. Where appropriate, an appointment will then be made for this to take place.

• High-risk skin cancers or lesion that are surgically complex will usually require referral for further treatment at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital or the Medical Specialist Group.