Skin Cancer Types
Skin cancer is a disease of the body’s skin cells. Skin cancer develops when cells which make up the skin are damaged and grow abnormally.
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main cause of skin cancer. Each time your skin is damaged by UV, changes take place in the structure and function of the skin cells. If UV damage keeps adding up, skin cells become less able to repair, increasing the risk of skin cancer.
There are three main types of skin cancer. The most serious is melanoma.
Our skin is made up of cells: basal cells, squamous cells and melanocytes.
The different types of skin cancer are named for the skin cell where the cancer develops: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Carcinoma is another word for cancer. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are often grouped together and called ‘common’ skin cancer or non-melanoma skin cancer.
Skin cancer usually appears on parts of the body that have been overexposed to the sun. It can also (less often) appear on skin not normally exposed to the sun.
The earlier melanoma is found, the more successful treatment is likely to be.
Melanoma is often related to a pattern of irregular high sun exposure, including episodes of sunburn.
What does Skin Cancer Look Like?
Skin cancer can present in many different ways which is why it’s important to know your skin and what’s normal for you. Skin cancer can appear as:- a new or unusual looking spot including a lump or sore which doesn’t heal or may bleed
- an existing spot that has changed in colour, size or shape.
Types of Skin Cancer
(Some images below kindly provided by the Skin Health Institute).Melanoma
Melanoma can grow quickly. The most aggressive forms can become life-threatening in as little as six weeks and if untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body. Use the ABCDE rule to look for melanoma where: Assymetry
– Does the spot look fairly even?
Border
– How irregular is the border of the spot?
Colour
– Is the colour of spot even?
Diameter
– How big is the spot?
Evolution
– Is the spot changing and how quickly?