TYPES OF SKIN CANCER AND HOW TO IDENTIFY THEM

There are a number of different types of skin cancer

The most common forms are:

Melanoma

The most dangerous form of skin cancer, these cancerous growths are normally black or brown, but they can also be skin-colored, pink, red, purple, blue or white. Melanoma is caused mainly by intense, occasional UV exposure from sunshine or tanning beds (frequently leading to sunburn).

If melanoma is recognised and treated early, it is almost always curable, but if not, the cancer can advance and spread to other parts of the body, where it becomes hard to treat and can be fatal.

Atypical moles

Atypical moles are unusual-looking, non-cancerous moles. They may resemble melanoma, and people who have them are at increased risk of developing melanoma in a mole or elsewhere on the body. The more atypical moles a person has, the higher their risk of developing melanoma.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

BCCs are the most common form of skin cancer. They are abnormal, uncontrolled growths that arise in the deepest layer of the skin. BCCs often look like open sores, red patches, pink growths, shiny bumps, or scars and are usually caused by a combination of cumulative and intense, occasional sun exposure.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

This is the second most common form of skin cancer. SCCs often look like scaly red patches, open sores, warts or elevated growths with a central depression; they may crust or bleed.

Did you know?

Between 2008 and 2018 the number of new melanoma cases diagnosed annually has increased by 53%.

What to watch for

You should conduct regular self-examinations, taking note of all moles and monitoring for any changes in size, colour or symmetry:

Asymmetry: Unlike common moles, atypical moles are often asymmetrical: a line drawn through the middle would not create matching halves.

Border: While common moles usually have regular, sharp, well-defined borders, the borders of atypical moles tend to be irregular and gradually fade into the surrounding skin.

Color: Common moles are most often uniformly tan, brown or flesh-colored. Atypical moles have varied, irregular color with subtle areas of tan, brown, dark brown, red, blue or black.

Diameter: Atypical moles are generally larger than 6 mm, but may be smaller.

Evolution: Enlargement of or any other notable change in a previously stable mole, or the appearance of a new mole after age 40, should raise suspicion.

Changes to your skin

If you notice anything unusual on your skin that doesn’t go away in a month, show it to your doctor. It might help to take a photograph of anything unusual so you can check for any changes. Remember that there are many other skin-related conditions that are not cancer but if you’re concerned, you should always consult your doctor.