Understanding the Types of Skin Cancer Different Forms l QC Skin Clinic

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.

S	sore	Look for spots that are scaly, itchy, bleeding, tender, or that do not heal within six weeks.
C	changing	Pay attention to any changes in appearance (size, shape, or color).
A	abnormal	Be cautious of spots that look different, feel different, or stand out when compared to other moles.
N	new	Most melanomas and other types of skin cancer develop as new spots.

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

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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.

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Different Types of Skin Cancer pictures

BASAL CELL CARCINOMAS