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Skin Cancer

Types of skin cancer

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most dangerous skin cancer, because if untreated cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body.
Melanomas appear as a new spot, or an existing spot, freckle or mole that changes colour, size or shape.
A melanoma usually has an irregular or smudgy outline and is more than one colour. A melanoma will normally grows over weeks to months, and can appear anywhere on the body.
Melanoma make up approximately 5% of all skin cancers.

Non-Melanocytic Skin Cancer
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

SCC normally appear as a thickened red, scaly spot, that may later bleed easily or ulcerate.
SCC is not as dangerous as melanoma but may spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.
SCC normally grow over months.
SCC make up approximately 20% of all skin cancers.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

BCC are the most common form of skin cancer making up approximately 75% of all skin cancer. They are also the least dangerous skin cancer.
BCC normally appear as a lump or scaling area, that are red, pale or pearly in colour.
As a BCC grows it may become ulcerated like an unhealing sore or one that heals then breaks down again.
A BCC normally grows slowly, and is usually on the head, neck and upper torso.

Other spots that are not skin cancer .....
Dysplastic Naevi

Solar Keratoses

Solar Keratoses appear as red, flattish, scaling areas which may sting if scratched.
They are a warning sign that you are more prone to developing skin cancer.

Seborrhoeic Keratoses

Seborrhoeic Keratoses have a very clear edge and frequently sit up on top of the skin.
The colour varies from pale skin through orange to black.
Seborrhoeic Keratoses size varies from a few millimetres to 2centimetres.

Moles

Freckles

For further information about types of skin cancer, or if you have any concerns, contact your doctor.