Types of Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. It is usually a slow growing cancer that typically arises on sun-exposed skin.
Risk factors for BCC are prolonged UV exposure, fair skin, age (more common in older adults), personal or family history of skin cancer and weakened immune system.
A BCC can appear as:
a pearly or waxy lump
a non-healing sore
a flesh-coloured or brown scar-like lesion
or an irritated red patch of skin.
It can be diagnosed with a dermatoscope (specialised magnification tool) used by a doctor, or a biopsy (where a small section is removed and sent for microscopic examination).
Treatment options include excision and non-surgical treatment such as cryotherapy, topical chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy.
BCCs can be prevented by the daily use of sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, i.e. hats and sunglasses, and avoiding peak sun hours.
Regular skin checks are important for early detection and treatment.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant tumour that can develop in any part of the body where squamous cells are present, including the skin, lungs, and cervix.
Risk factors for SCC are prolonged UV exposure, fair skin, smoking or tobacco use, chronic skin wounds and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection.
SCC can appear as:
a red nodule
a flat scaly crusted surface
a sore that doesn't heal
or a wart-like growth
It can be diagnosed with a dermatoscope (specialised magnification tool) used by a doctor or a biopsy (where a small section is removed and sent for microscopic examination).
Treatment options include excision and non-surgical treatment such as cryotherapy, topical chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
SCCs can spread to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early.
Regular skin checks, sun protection and avoiding tanning beds can all help to prevent SCCs.
Melanoma
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can develop from existing moles or appear as new pigmented lesions.
Risk factors for melanoma are personal or family history of melanoma, intense intermittent sun exposure (recurrent sunburns), fair skin, presence of multiple moles and weakened immune system.
Melanoma can appear as:
A large brownish spot with darker speckles
A changing mole or mole that looks different to others
A small dark lesion with irregular border
A sore that doesn't heal, itches, bleeds or crusts.
Melanomas need to be removed with surrounding tissue to reduce the risk of recurrence and metastasis (spreading to other parts of the body).
Adjuvant therapies can include radiotherapy, chemotherapy and target immunotherapy depending on stage of disease.
Early detection through regular skin checks with a healthcare provider is crucial as melanoma is highly treatable in the early stages.
As well as regular skin checks, melanoma risk can be reduced with daily sun protection and avoiding UV exposure, such as in the use of tanning beds.