Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. It is the most common form of cancer in Australia. Skin cancer usually appears when the skin cells are exposed to too much Ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun. Skin cancers can vary greatly in appearance. However, most skin cancers start as small skin changes such as lumps, discolouration or sores that increase in size over time.

Any skin abnormalities should be assessed first by the patient's GP and then referred to a plastic surgeon if surgical treatment is needed. The danger of skin cancer is that it could infiltrate underlying tissue or spread to other organs of the body if left untreated.

There are three main types of skin cancer:

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): is the most common type of skin cancer, however the least dangerous. It usually occurs in areas of long term sun exposure, especially the face, head, neck and upper body regions. BCCs, usually appear as a pearly" lump that looks like a flesh-coloured mole or a pimple; they bleed rarely. BCCs tend to grow slowly, over months to years and rarely spread beyond their original site. However, if left untreated, it can grow deep underneath the skin into the underlying tissue and bone, causing serious damage.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): is the next most common form of skin cancer, which grows faster than BCC and is more often seen in older adults. It often appears on the head and neck, hands and forearms, which usually get more sunlight. SCC looks like a red, scaly, quickly growing spot or lump which is usually thickened and can break down, bleed and ulcerate. SCCs are more serious and dangerous than BCCs. They can spread to other parts of the body if not treated quickly, and therefore, can become life-threatening.

Melanoma: the least common type of skin cancer, but it is the most dangerous kind. Melanoma can occur on any part of the body, including the areas that have not been exposed to the sun. It can develop from an existing mole or appear as a new, brown, red or black spot that changes and grows in size. Melanoma can be successfully cured if diagnosed early. However, it can spread throughout the body and is therefore deadly if left untreated.

Melanoma in situ/Stage 0 Melanoma: the cancer cells are in the top layer of the skin. The melanoma cells are all contained in the area and have not grown into deeper layers of the skin. Therefore, it could be cured by wide surgical excision.

Solar/Actinic Keratoses (sunspot): pre-cancerous skin growths, sometimes developing into SCC. Rough, scaly patches on the skin caused by excess sun exposure. They can be prevented by staying out of the sun as much as possible and using sunscreens and clothing. However, they need to be noticed and treated before they turn into cancer.

Skin cancers can be treated through different methods depending on the type of cancer, its stage of growth and location on the body. However, most skin cancers may require surgery to remove the cancerous growth, reconstruct the resultant defect and create the best outcome.