Lyla Lindsey
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Australia, with around 980,000 new cases of non-melanoma skin cancers treated every year. The three most common types of skin cancer are melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Skin cancer can appear in many shapes and sizes and can be challenging to identify. It can manifest as a mole, a spot, or a lesion, and it can be difficult to distinguish between cancerous and non-cancerous growths. Early detection is critical for successful treatment, so it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms and to seek medical advice if you notice any changes in your skin.
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Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
BCC usually starts with a subtle change on the skin, often a small bump or a flat red patch. It can appear anywhere on the body but most commonly develops on parts of the body that receive high or intermittent sun exposure. BCCs can be thin or thick, and their appearance varies. They may appear as a rounded, pink or red, shiny, pearly bump with prominent blood vessels on its surface, or as a scaly, red, irritated, rough patch that may crust, itch, or hurt. Infiltrative BCC (also called morpheic BCC) is a less common variant with edges that cannot always be clearly seen. This type of BCC can be difficult to remove surgically and often requires a plastic surgeon or dermatologist. Nodular basal cell carcinoma may spread outward over time, and the surface may become ulcerated or crusted.
BCC grows slowly over months or years and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. However, if left untreated, it can damage or destroy the skin and surrounding tissues, causing an ulcer known as a rodent ulcer. Early detection and treatment are crucial for a good prognosis. Treatment options include surgical removal, cryotherapy (freezing), applying a cream, photodynamic therapy, curettage, cautery, topical therapies, and radiation.
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Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
SCC typically appears as a scaly patch, sore or growth that doesn't heal and may become painful as it grows. It usually grows in areas that get a lot of sun exposure, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, hands, forearms and lower legs. SCC can develop slowly over years, starting as a red scaly sunspot that slowly thickens and enlarges, eventually becoming an intraepidermal carcinoma (Bowen's disease). It can also develop rapidly, with changes occurring over a few months.
SCC is generally treated with simple skin surgery, which involves removing the cancerous tissue and examining it under a microscope to ensure the SCC has been completely removed. Further surgery or radiation therapy may be required if there are any residual tumours, nerves are involved, or a more aggressive pattern is observed. In some cases, small SCCs can be treated by scraping (curettage) or by freezing with liquid nitrogen.
It is important to detect SCC early to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body. Individuals can reduce their risk of SCC by protecting their skin from the sun with sunscreen, shade and protective clothing, as well as regularly checking their skin for any changes.
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Melanoma
If you suspect that you have melanoma, your doctor will examine your skin and carefully check any spots you have identified as changed using a handheld magnifying instrument (dermascope). They will consider criteria such as asymmetry, border irregularity, colour variation, diameter (larger than 6 mm), and growth. Further tests may be carried out, such as total body photography, or you may be referred to a dermatologist. If melanoma is detected, it is usually removed by surgery, along with some surrounding normal-looking skin, to prevent the melanoma from growing back.
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Moles
It is recommended to do regular skin self-checks and to examine your skin once a month. If you notice any new moles or changes in existing moles, such as growth or changes in shape or colour, it is important to consult a doctor. While skin cancer can be challenging to identify, early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
To protect yourself from skin cancer and reduce the risk of moles developing into cancer, it is important to use sun protection, including clothing, hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Avoiding too much sun exposure can help prevent the development of new moles and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
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Sunspots
It is important to distinguish between sunspots and skin cancer spots. While sunspots tend to stay consistent in shape and colour over time, skin cancers are more likely to change, spread, or feel different to the touch. If you notice a spot that is changing or does not match the others on your skin, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
There are some key visual clues to help identify potential skin cancer spots. These include spots that are asymmetrical, have irregular borders, display uneven or blotchy colours (such as black, blue, white, or red), are increasing in size, or are evolving and growing over time. Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, can develop anywhere on the body and may have a flat or raised surface with an irregular border. It is critical to detect melanoma early as it is more likely to spread if left untreated.
To prevent sunspots and reduce the risk of skin cancer, it is important to protect the skin from UV radiation by consistently applying sunscreen and adopting sun-safe habits.
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Frequently asked questions
Skin cancer can appear in many shapes and sizes, and it can be challenging to identify. It is important to get to know your own skin and understand what to look for. Look out for new, changing or unusual spots, especially those that look different from others on your body, or spots that have changed in size, shape, colour or texture. If you notice any of these signs, see your doctor and seek their expert opinion.
The three most common types of skin cancer are melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). BCC accounts for around 70% of all non-melanoma skin cancer diagnoses. They can appear as open sores that bleed, ooze or crust, reddish patches or irritated areas, shiny bumps or nodules, or white, yellow or waxy scars. Melanomas is often pigmented tan, brown, black, or even blue, but amelanotic melanoma lacks pigment and appears as a skin-toned or pink lesion. SCC usually appears where the skin has had the most sun exposure, such as the scalp, ears, lips or the backs of hands, but it can occur anywhere on the body.
It is recommended to examine your skin once a month. Early detection is critical to successful treatment, and finding and treating skin cancer early can save your life.
