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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

• Dysplastic Naevi appear as flat, fairly large moles, any where on the body.
• They are an indication that a person is more prone to melanoma.

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

• Moles are evenly coloured, may be raised and have clear edges.
• Moles are usually circular or oval in shape.

Freckles

• Freckles are harmless coloured spots that range from 1mm to 10mm.
• Freckles are an indication of damage to the skin.

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

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