What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells, which generally develops in exposed areas to the sun. It can also form in places that don’t usually get sun exposure.
Skin Cancers
Melanoma
Melanoma is the 3rd most common cancer in Australia (excluding Squamous cell and Basal Cell Carcinomas). It is one of the deadliest skin cancers. It generally has a high potential of spreading to other body organs.
If diagnosed early, the survival rate can be as high as 95-100%.
Melanoma usually appears as a brown lesion, but less commonly, can also occur as a pink or non-coloured lesion (Amelanotic melanoma)
If you have a brown lesion, a spot, or a new mole or has recently changed in colour, size, symmetry, pain, etc., you need to get it checked as soon as possible.
If diagnosed early, the survival rate can be as high as 95-100%.
Melanoma usually appears as a brown lesion, but less commonly, can also occur as a pink or non-coloured lesion (Amelanotic melanoma)
If you have a brown lesion, a spot, or a new mole or has recently changed in colour, size, symmetry, pain, etc., you need to get it checked as soon as possible.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Together with Basal Cell Carcinoma, this accounts for the most common cancers diagnosed in Australia.
It is considered less aggressive than melanoma. However, it still has the potential of spreading to various body organs if left untreated.
It is considered less aggressive than melanoma. However, it still has the potential of spreading to various body organs if left untreated.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma is considered a locally malignant tumour. It has the exceedingly rare potential of spreading to distant body organs. However, it can locally destroy the area where it exists and lead to serious health issues, mainly if it is located in the Head and Neck.
Other less common skin cancers
There are other skin cancer types such as Merkel Cell Carcinoma, Dermatofibrosarcoma and Atypical Fibroxanthoma. These types are generally more aggressive than the more common type. s but luckily, they are far less common.