Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with over 60% of people reaching the age of 70 having had some type of skin cancer in their lifetime.
All lumps, bumps and skin changes have a name. Many are benign. Some will be malignant, but seeing a doctor early is always best.
Types of Skin Cancer
The most common skin cancer is the BCC, known medically as the basal cell carcinoma. BCCs come in all shapes and sizes, with their appearance varying. They can be a small lump, or even just an unassuming red area or scar.
The SCC or squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer, which occurs frequently. SCCs usually present as a rapidly growing lump that may look like a scar that has not healed.
Australia has the highest incidence of melanoma worldwide, with 18,000 cases diagnosed in 2023 alone. Naturally, Australians are worried about developing melanoma.
What does a melanoma look like? Well, this is the tricky bit. Doctors are looking for dark areas on the skin that may bleed, may be enlarging, may be raised, and may have an irregular border.
The most common benign skin condition is the SK, or seborrhoeic keratosis. SKs become more common with age, and often people have large numbers of them. SKs can run in families and are related to a person’s genes.
Diagnosis and Treatment
It is very difficult to “self-diagnose” any changes on your skin and the message is clear; if a spot is at all concerning, have a doctor check it out.
Diagnosing skin conditions often requires a biopsy, where a small piece of skin is taken and sent to a pathologist. Pathologists do an amazing job of looking at the skin with a microscope, sometimes using special stains to help them.
As for treatments, there are many of them. Freezing or using cryotherapy is very common. Using liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -196o C causes a freeze-burn of the skin. Within 3 weeks the top layer of skin is replaced by new skin. Cryotherapy is easy to use and gives good results.
Sometimes cautery – or burning – is used. This needs a local anaesthetic under the lesion. It is a little more complex but a very effective treatment.
Often excision is advised. With the skin problem removed and sutured, excellent results can occur. It can take up to 2 years for scarring to settle down. The main advantage is that the piece of skin removed can be sent to the pathologist who can tell your doctor if all the skin lesion has been removed. This is really important if skin cancer is suspected.
Everyone is at risk of skin cancer whatever your type of skin. You should be aware of any changes that you can see to your skin and that of your loved ones. The main thing is to have your skin checked regularly.
Lastly, always Slip, Slap, Slop, Seek and Slide. It is not so much a campaign, but more a way of life.
Dr Adrian Sheen
Inventor of the WIDDLEOMETER® which is an “early warning system” for your prostate and bladder health.
Web: widdleometer.com