Broadgreen

The Dermatology clinic at Broadgreen Hospital is the local centre for skin cancer diagnosis and treatment in Liverpool.

Dermatology Outpatients Department

Tel: 0151 282 6979
9am-5pm

Dermatology Secretarial Team

Tel: 0151 282 6510
Email: skinbgh@liverpoolft.nhs.uk
9am- 4.30pm

Minor Surgical/Operations Team

Tel: 0151 282 6510
Email: dermatologysurgicalwaiting@liverpoolft.nhs.uk
9am-4.30pm

More information

It is really important that skin cancer is diagnosed early to stop it spreading. You will be referred to the hospital if your GP spots something that needs investigation. Our consultant skin specialists (dermatologists) will see you within two weeks at the rapid lesion clinic. 

You will be referred to us directly via your GP.

The Dermatology Department is in the Alexandra Wing on the Ground Floor.
 

  • Quick diagnosis – It is really important that skin cancer is diagnosed quickly. You will get an appointment within two weeks at our Rapid Lesion Clinic if your GP suspects squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or malignant melanoma (MM).
  • Best treatment - Specialists from different medical areas meet weekly. This is called a multi-disciplinary team meeting (MDT) and is central to the way we work. The MDT advise, support and create treatment plans that are personalised for every patient. MDT members include dermatologists, specialist nurses, plastic surgeons, pathologists, clinical oncologist and ear nose and throat surgeon (ENT).
  • Patient information and counselling - We’re there to support you throughout your treatment journey. You’ll be given a key worker (usually a specialist nurse) and a contact telephone number for any questions you may have.
  • Reducing clinic visits - Improving the patient experience is one of our key aims. We are trying to reduce repeat visits by performing surgery on the day if the cancer is operable and the circumstances are correct. 
  • Skin Cancer diagnosis - We have a large, experienced team of experts who can identify skin cancer quickly and efficiently.
     

During your consultation you will be asked about your medical history, and will be asked for a list of your current medications (so please bring a list with you if possible).

The consultant or registrar will examine your skin. It is possible that the cancer can be spotted at this examination. Often the specialist will use a magnifying glass or hand held dermatoscope to look more closely at the lesion.

Biopsy 

The doctor removes part or all of the lesion and sends it to the laboratory. It is analysed under a microscope by a pathologist. This is the only way to 100% identify skin cancer cells. It takes approximately one month for the results of urgent skin cancer biopsies at the hospital which means our patients get a quick and accurate diagnosis.

Further tests

Sometimes we need to do further tests to see if the cancer has spread. The doctor will probably feel the lymph glands close to the cancer to see if any of them are enlarged.

Your test results are discussed by a multi-disciplinary team (MDT). They decide the best treatment path if cancer is discovered. You will be consulted fully so that you play a role in whatever treatment you receive.

Treatment types for skin cancer include:

  • Surgery - Most skin cancers are treated with surgery. It is usually a minor procedure and done under local anaesthetic. We have surgeons trained in advanced skin surgery for more complex operations. Very specialised surgery – like plastic surgery, maxillofacial surgery and oculo-plastic surgery – is given at other centres, including Aintree University Hospital and St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals.
  • Radiotherapy - This uses radio waves to kill cancer cells. It is often used when the cancer is difficult to operate on. It can also be used with surgery (adjuvant treatment). Patients are referred to the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre for this treatment.
  • Photodynamic therapy (PDT) - PDT is mainly used to treat pre-skin cancer. It involves cream application and red light treatment to individual lesions. It can be done during the day; no overnight stay is required.

Once you have seen the consultant/registrar you will be informed of your future treatment plan and will be given a white outcome form to hand into reception on your departure. Please ensure you hand the white form into the clerks to enable them to make a follow up appointment (if needed) or if no treatment is required, you will be discharged back to the care of your GP.

If a hospital prescription is given to you (yellow prescription) this can only be obtained from the hospital pharmacy.

If the consultant/registrar is planning a minor procedure which is not performed on the day, then a date may be given to you whilst in clinic or alternatively you will be placed on a waiting list and the appointment will be sent through the post. 

Most minor procedures are carried out within the department however sometimes you will be asked to attend Whiston Hospital.
 

Once your minor procedure has taken place the results can take up to 4-6 weeks. Usually the result is sent to you via a letter from your consultant/registrar, along with a follow up appointment if required

Our consultants and specialist registrars in dermatology provide on-call cover for dermatological emergencies, Monday to Friday 9am-7pm. and weekends/bank holidays 9am-4pm. Patients are normally referred to this service directly via their GP or departments within the hospital such as accident and emergency.

Research is an on-going and an important aspect of our work, helping us to improve treatment for patients with debilitating skin conditions.

You may be invited to participate in clinical research studies to help us understand and answer important questions about drug therapies and treatments.

To find out about current research opportunities or register for future studies, please contact our research nurses or visit the Dermatology Research page.

Research nurses

Telephone: 0151 282 6979

Email:  dermatologyresearch@liverpoolft.nhs.uk