Melanoma and non melanoma skin cancer

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world – a shocking 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70.

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the skin.

The three main types of skin cancer in Australia are:

  • Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

  • Melanoma

A shallow type of SCC is sometimes called Bowens disease. 97% of skin cancers are BCC and SCC, and they are also referred to as ‘non-melanoma skin cancers’.  

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in the melanocytes (the pigment cells of the skin). Melanoma makes up 1-2% of all skin cancers in Australia, which is the highest rate of melanoma in the world. Melanomas are considered more serious than other skin cancers because they can grow faster and can be more likely to spread to other parts of the body. When skin cancers spread from the skin to other parts of the body, this is referred to as metastasis. Metastatic cancer can occur in lymph nodes, lungs, brain, liver and bones, and is extremely serious, especially if it is not found and treated early.

Melanoma and non melanoma skin cancer treatment

Dermatologists are the most highly trained specialists for melanoma and non melanoma skin cancer surveillance and management.

At Hunter Coast Dermatology & Laser, we use the most advanced technology for skin cancer treatment and prevention, however many skin cancers do require surgical excision. Melanomas in particular require a certain margin of excision based on their depth. Future surveillance is also dependent upon the melanoma size, depth and other associated features.

If surgery is required your Dermatologist will discuss the surgery and perform this under local anaesthetic within the comfort of our practice.

If you have been diagnosed with a melanoma or non melanoma skin cancer or concerned about your skin call us for an appointment or send through a referral from your local GP.

What does skin cancer look like?

Common signs of skin cancer include a spot that looks or feels different to others on the body; a spot that has changed size, shape, colour or texture; a sore that doesn’t heal within a few weeks; or a sore that is itchy or bleeds. If you have any of these signs or symptoms you should have a skin check from a trained specialist.

What about other skin lesions?

Most lumps and lesions that occur on the body are not cancerous. Some common non-cancerous lesions include moles (naevi), abnormal moles (dysplastic naevi), seborrhoeic keratoses (sometimes referred to as age warts or barnacles), and skin tags. Generally, these types of lesions do not need to be removed, but they can be if they are changing or causing irritation.

Sun spots (actinic keratoses) are common pre-cancerous lesions that most often occur on sun-exposed parts of the body. They are rough, scaly, or red patches of skin. Sun spots are usually treated to prevent them developing into a skin cancer. See further information on actinic keratoses.

Skin cancer prevention

Skin cancer is a serious condition, but it can be prevented. The main cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a type of energy from the sun. Most skin cancer can be prevented by protecting yourself from UV radiation when the UV index is 3 or above.

When the UV index is higher than 3, you can protect yourself by wearing protective clothing, such as a hat and sunglasses; applying sunscreen at regular intervals through the day; and seeking shade. It’s never too late or too early to improve your sun protection behaviours. 

The Sun Smart website and app are excellent resources for you and your family to help you reduce your UV exposure and stay safe from the sun.

Other Helpful Resources