There are three common Types of Skin Cancer treated by the doctors at Brisbane City Skin Clinic, these are Basal Cell Carcinomas, Squamous Cell Carcinomas and Melanomas.
Basal Cell Carcinomas
Basal Cell Carcinomas account for more than 75% of all skin cancers and is the most common form of non-melanoma skin cancer. Basal Cell Carcinomas develop as a scaly lesion or lump often red or pearly in colour. They are commonly found on the face (lip, nose, cheek, eyelid), ears, neck or shoulders. There are several types of BCC including superficial, nodular or infiltrating however Basal Cell Carcinomas are the least dangerous skin cancer. We can easily treat these lesions with a biopsy or excision, cryotherapy or other surgical treatments. Click here to read more about Basal Cell Carcinomas.
Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Squamous Cell Carcinomas are another common form of non-melanoma skin cancer. There are various signs of Squamous Cell Carcinomas however you may notice a raised, scaly lump or a crusted sore. They can also present as a persistent small ulcer (which may bleed) or thickened, red, firm nodule. Most Squamous Cell Carcinomas occur on sun-exposed sites (hands, forearms, scalp, ears, lips, mouth or legs) and usually in older individuals. Squamous Cell Carcinomas can spread to other parts of the body (metastasize) if not treated promptly. Simple skin surgery (excision) is usually sufficient to treat a squamous cell carcinoma. Click here to read more about Squamous Cell Carcinomas.
Melanomas
Melanoma skin cancer is the most dangerous type of skin cancer and can occur anywhere on the body. It has a high risk for spreading to other parts of the body if not detected early. Australia has the highest rates of melanoma in the world due to harmful sun exposure (UV radiation) and fair skin types (that burns easily). Melanomas can arise from a mole or a new spot and are likely flat, light brown or black spots. A small percentage of melanomas have no pigment and can appear red or pale. Look out for spots or moles that are new or existing ones that change size, shape, or colour.
Another type of melanoma is nodular melanoma, which is an aggressive, life threatening lesion. NM can be symmetrical, firm lump that is pink, red, brown or black in colour and grows or appears quickly.
Treatment for melanoma skin cancer will involve surgical excision to determine depth and severity of lesion. You will be referred for specialist care and may also require immunotherapy, radiation or chemotherapy depending on the cancer type. All patients who have had a melanoma require follow-up skin checks due to the risk of skin cancer recurrence. The best chance of survival against melanoma is early detection and reporting any skin changes promptly to your doctor. Click here to read more about Melanoma.