TYPES OF SKIN CANCER
There are essentially three types of skin cancers.
- Melanoma - the least common but most dangerous
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) - the most common but least dangerous
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) - somewhere in between the above two
You may think you have to be middle aged or older to get a melanoma, but it is, in fact, the most common skin cancer in younger people. This is a major reason to have yearly skin checks from about the age of 25 - if a melanoma is diagnosed and treated early, you are much more likely to have a positive outcome. A melanoma can develop from a pre-existing mole but, more commonly, it arises from previously normal looking skin. While it is more likely to occur on an area of your body that has been exposed to the sun, it can occur in an area never seen by the sun!
It can vary widely in colour, including black, brown, tan, blue and pink, and it may be flat, raised or ulcerated. Follow the ABCDE's of skin cancer, below, to check your skin, then see our clinic if you are unsure or would like further advice about a spot.
What does a melanoma look like?To help you recognise problem moles, follow the ABCDE's of skin cancer.
A - Asymmetry
Healthy moles are typically round, so look for those with an irregular shape.
B - Border
Healthy moles typically have a smooth, even edge, so look for those with a notched or uneven edge.
C - Colour
Healthy moles are typically a single shade of brown, so look for those that have colour variation - two or more colours.
D - Diameter
Healthy moles are usually smaller than 5-6mm, so look for those that are larger in size.
E - Evolving
Healthy moles usually do not change size over time, so look for those that become larger or change in height.
While it's great if you know your skin and can tell if your spots are changing, you may not be able to monitor all of your skin, and there are many other features that are only recognisable by having a extensive magnified skin check at a professional skin clinic.
BASAL CELL CARCINOMA (BCC)
This is the most common type of skin cancer, with almost 300,000 cases being diagnosed each year in Australia, and usually occurs in people over the age of 40. It grows from cells in the bottom (basal) part of the outer layer of your skin, and the growth tends to be quite slow, taking a period of months or even years. Only rarely does this type cancer spread throughout the body. However, while it is the least dangerous, it should not be taken lightly, it may need to be cut out of your skin if not treated early, which can be disfiguring. BCCs appear most commonly on the face, head, neck and trunk areas of the body, and can occur in difficult to treat areas such as on the eyelids and lower legs. In most cases BCCs are curable, and you can achieve excellent cosmetic results, especially if caught early.
Types of BCCs
Nodular and nodular-ulcerative
The most common of BCCs, they usually occur on the face. They grow slowly, beginning as small pearly round, hard, red or red-grey lumps. But, if left untreated, they will grow larger and begin to ulcerate.
Superficial
These are the least aggressive of BCCs. Mainly found on the body, they appear as a scaly red, round to oval patch, up to 3cm in diameter. But if left untreated they can grow as large as 10-15cm without any ulceration. The edge of this type can be difficult to distinguish. They may be a little itchy at times.
Pigmented BCC
Seen more often in darker skinned people, such as Latin Americans, and Asian cultures, these BCCs are very similar to the nodular BCCs, but with areas of pigmentation (darker areas). Because of its appearance, it could be confused with the more serious melanoma.
Morphoeic BCC
These look a little like firm yellow-white scars and are often mistaken for them. The borders are usually indistinct, so they can be bigger than you first think. As they have an aggressive growth pattern, it's very important to get early treatment - they can invade muscles, nerves and bone if left alone.
SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA (SCC)The second most common form of skin cancer, these can grow much more quickly than a BCC, and have the ability to spread throughout the body (metastasise).
What does a SCC look like?It looks like a scaly pink lump or wart-like growth, which may also develop a crust, bleed and ulcerate. You're likely to find a SCC on areas that have been exposed to the sun - face, ears, head, lips, forearms and back of hands. It's not usually painful, but can be tender or sting a little.
Am I at risk?Apart from exposure to plenty of sun, if your immune system is low, you will have a higher risk of developing a SCC. This is especially the case in those of you who have had an organ transplant or are on medication to suppress your immune system. If you've had a transplant, an SCC is also more likely to grow quickly and spread throughout the body. So it's very important to have a regular skin checks and/or early treatment for skin cancers if you are aware that your immunity has been compromised.
Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world !
Melanoma is the most common cancer in males aged 25-54 and females aged 15-24.
One in two Australians will develop skin cancer each year.
About 1200 Australians of all ages die each year.
Most of the deaths and serious operation resulting from skin cancer are PREVENTABLE.
