Types Of Skin Cancer
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells, most often caused by sun exposure.
- Australia and New Zealand have the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world.
- Various types of Skin cancer account for around 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers.
- Exposure to the sun causes more than 90% of skin cancers.
- More than 2,000 Australians die from skin cancer each year.
What Causes Skin Cancer?
UV rays from the sun or tanning beds can harm skin cells' DNA, causing them to grow quickly and potentially create cancerous tumours. Other factors include genetics, fair skin, a history of sunburns, a weakened immune system, and exposure to toxic substances.
Excess exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes different skin conditions including solar keratosis and skin cancer.
Different types of skin cancer
There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer.
It often appears as a small, shiny bump. It can also show up as a red, scaly area. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type, often presenting as a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly crust.
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, developing from pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. It can appear as a new mole or a change in an existing mole, with irregular borders and uneven colouring.
Early detection and treatment are crucial in preventing skin cancer from spreading and becoming more serious. It is important to regularly check your skin for any changes, such as new growths, sores that don't heal, or changes in the size, shape, or colour of existing moles.
Wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds can help protect your skin and lower the risk of skin cancer. If you notice any concerning changes on your skin, you should see a Skin Cancer Specialist. They can evaluate your skin and may perform a biopsy if needed. Remember, prevention and early detection are key in the fight against skin cancer.
Symptoms of Skin Cancer
- Crusty, non-healing sores
- Small, red, pale, or pearly lumps
- New spots, freckles, or moles that change in color, thickness, or shape over weeks to months
Solar or Actinic Keratosis (Sunspots)
Solar keratosis, or actinic keratosis, are red, scaly spots. They commonly appear on fair-skinned individuals who spend a lot of time in the sun.
They can be precancerous. If not treated, they might turn into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which is a type of skin cancer.
Different Types of Skin Cancer pictures
BASAL CELL CARCINOMAS
SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMAS
MELANOMAS
- Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that can appear anywhere on the body and looks like a mole.
- Melanoma is the most common and killing cancer in young Australians (15-39 years old) than any other single cancer.
- Doctors diagnose more than 13,000 Australians with melanoma each year.
Treatment Options for Skin Cancer
Treatment for skin cancer depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Common options include:
- Skin Cancer Removal Surgery
- Skin Cancer Laser Treatment
- Radiation Therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
Contact our expert team of skin cancer specialists to schedule an appointment for a thorough skin examination.
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells, most often caused by sun exposure.
- Australia and New Zealand have the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world.
- Various types of Skin cancer account for around 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers.
- Exposure to the sun causes more than 90% of skin cancers.
- More than 2,000 Australians die from skin cancer each year.
What Causes Skin Cancer?
UV rays from the sun or tanning beds can harm skin cells' DNA, causing them to grow quickly and potentially create cancerous tumours. Other factors include genetics, fair skin, a history of sunburns, a weakened immune system, and exposure to toxic substances.
Excess exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes different skin conditions including solar keratosis and skin cancer.
Different types of skin cancer
There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer.
It often appears as a small, shiny bump. It can also show up as a red, scaly area. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type, often presenting as a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly crust.
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, developing from pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. It can appear as a new mole or a change in an existing mole, with irregular borders and uneven colouring.
Early detection and treatment are crucial in preventing skin cancer from spreading and becoming more serious. It is important to regularly check your skin for any changes, such as new growths, sores that don't heal, or changes in the size, shape, or colour of existing moles.
Wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds can help protect your skin and lower the risk of skin cancer. If you notice any concerning changes on your skin, you should see a Skin Cancer Specialist. They can evaluate your skin and may perform a biopsy if needed. Remember, prevention and early detection are key in the fight against skin cancer.
Symptoms of Skin Cancer
- Crusty, non-healing sores
- Small, red, pale, or pearly lumps
- New spots, freckles, or moles that change in color, thickness, or shape over weeks to months
Solar or Actinic Keratosis (Sunspots)
Solar keratosis, or actinic keratosis, are red, scaly spots. They commonly appear on fair-skinned individuals who spend a lot of time in the sun.
They can be precancerous. If not treated, they might turn into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which is a type of skin cancer.
Different Types of Skin Cancer pictures
BASAL CELL CARCINOMAS
SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMAS
MELANOMAS
- Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that can appear anywhere on the body and looks like a mole.
- Melanoma is the most common and killing cancer in young Australians (15-39 years old) than any other single cancer.
- Doctors diagnose more than 13,000 Australians with melanoma each year.
Treatment Options for Skin Cancer
Treatment for skin cancer depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Common options include:
- Skin Cancer Removal Surgery
- Skin Cancer Laser Treatment
- Radiation Therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
Contact our expert team of skin cancer specialists to schedule an appointment for a thorough skin examination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Risk factors include:
- Excessive exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds
- Having fair skin, light-coloured eyes, and red or blonde hair
- A history of sunburns, especially in early life
- A large number of moles or atypical moles
- A family history of skin cancer
- A weakened immune system
Doctors diagnose skin cancer through a skin examination and biopsy. A skin cancer specialist may take a sample of the suspicious skin to be examined under a microscope.
Avoid direct sunlight by staying in shaded areas, especially during midday hours, and steer clear of tanning beds. To keep yourself safe from skin cancer, use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Reapply it every two hours, especially if you're swimming or sweating. Wear protective clothing like long sleeves, pants, hats, and sunglasses that block UV rays.
Check your skin regularly for any new or changing moles, and see a Skin Cancer specialist once a year for a skin check.
