Types of skin cancer
Queensland has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.
Many people think that only older people develop skin cancer. In fact, melanoma is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among young people aged 15-34 years in Queensland. The good news is that the number of new cases of melanoma being diagnosed among young people has been decreasing in recent years—a great reason to remember to protect yourself in 5 ways whenever you are outside.
Skin cancer is a disease of the body's skin cells and develops when the cells are damaged by ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun.
The 3 main types of skin cancer are:
- basal cell carcinoma
- squamous cell carcinoma
- melanoma (the most serious type of skin cancer).
UVR exposure is known to cause 95% of melanoma and 99% of non-melanoma skin cancers (BCC's and SCC's) in Australia.
Remember, that reducing your risk of skin cancer is easy. Practice the 5 ways to be sun safe—shade, clothing, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen when the UVI is 3 or above.
Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer and makes up 75% of all cases.
BCCs normally appear as a lump or scaling area that is red, pale or pearly in colour.
They normally grow slowly, appearing on the head, neck or upper body. BCCs may become ulcerated and can be identified as a spot that won't heal.
About half of BCCs recur after 5 years.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) normally appears as a thickened red, scaly spot that may bleed easily or ulcerate.
SCCs usually grow slowly over months and can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.
They appear in places most often exposed to the sun.
SCCs make up about 20% of all skin cancers. About half of SCCs recur after 5 years.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most dangerous skin cancer and makes up about 5% of all skin cancers. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body.
Melanomas appear as a new spot or an existing spot, freckle, or a mole that changes colour, size or shape.
A melanoma is generally more than 1 colour and has an irregular outline.
Melanomas grow over weeks to months and can appear anywhere on the body. They can be either flat or nodular. Flat melanoma may develop nodular or lumpy areas as it develops.
While family history does increase your risk of developing melanoma, only a very small number (estimated at 1-2%) of melanoma cases in Australia are related to a genetic predisposition.
Learn more about the genetic risk of melanoma (PDF, 524KB)
Other spots
You may get other spots that are not skin cancer, but may be warning signs.
Dysplastic naevi
Dysplastic naevi appear as flat, fairly large moles anywhere on the body. They are generally larger than 6 millimetres, but may be smaller.
They have irregular borders and uneven colour, with multiple shades of brown to pink.
Dysplastic naevi indicate that a person is more prone to melanoma.
Solar keratoses
Solar keratoses appear as red, flattish, scaly areas that may sting if scratched.
They are a warning sign that a person is more prone to developing skin cancer.
Seborrhoeic keratoses
Seborrhoeic keratoses have a very distinct edge and frequently sit on top of the skin.
The colour varies from pale to orange and black. Their size can be from a few millimetres up to 2 centimetres.
Moles
Moles are evenly coloured, have clear edges and may be raised. They are usually circular or oval in shape.
Freckles
Freckles are harmless coloured spots that range from 1 to 10 millimetres in size. They indicate that the sun has damaged the skin.
Know your skin and check it regularly
If you notice a change in size, shape or colour of any spots or moles on your skin, have them checked by your doctor.
