Skin cancers are increasingly common in the UK, driven by cumulative sun exposure and an ageing population. They may present as changing moles, persistent lesions or areas of discolouration, and early assessment with biopsy is essential to confirm diagnosis and plan appropriate treatment. Common types include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, each requiring a different level of surgical management.

Many skin cancers can be removed under local anaesthetic through surgical excision, while larger, deeper or more complex lesions may require wider removal or techniques such as Mohs surgery to ensure complete clearance. Although these procedures are highly effective at removing the cancer, they can leave a visible defect where skin has been removed. Reconstructive surgery is used to restore form and function, minimise distortion of nearby structures and support healing.

Reconstruction is tailored to the size, depth and location of the defect. This may involve a skin graft, where tissue is taken from another area of the body, or a skin flap, where nearby skin is repositioned while maintaining its blood supply. The aim is always to achieve safe cancer treatment first, followed by the best possible functional and aesthetic outcome. Close collaboration with dermatology colleagues and specialist pathologists ensures accurate diagnosis, clear margins and timely results, with histology typically available within a week.