While enjoying the summer sun is a quintessential part of being an Aussie, it also, unfortunately, results in 2 out of 3 Australians being diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70. Prolonged exposure to harmful UV rays can cause all manner of damage to your skin – in fact, just one sunburn every two years can triple your risk of developing melanoma skin cancer. When detected early, skin cancer is very treatable, so knowing the signs and symptoms of the disease is critically important to ensure an early diagnosis.
There are many kinds of skin cancer; however, the three most prevalent and commonly diagnosed forms are Basal CellCarcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), and Melanoma. While there are a few similarities between how these different cancers present, knowing what to look out for specifically can greatly increase your chances of an early diagnosis and successful treatment.
Basal Cell Carcinoma tends to develop in areas of the body that are often exposed to sunlight. These include the face, neck, and head. The warning signs for BCC include the appearance of new lesions on the skin. These lesions tend to be semi-translucent, shiny bumps that appear pearly white or pink on white skin and brown or glossy black on dark skin. Flat, scaly patches with a raised and clearly defined border should also be checked out, as should any white, waxy, scar-like growths. BCC can also present as skin growths that are brown, black, or blue in colour, and have a slightly raised edge. BCC is generally very treatable through simple excision surgery, provided it is diagnosed early. Should you notice any strange new discolouration or growths on your skin, please seek a medical appointment as soon as possible. Early diagnosis is key to successful treatment outcomes, so don’t delay!
Like BCC, Squamous Cell Carcinoma is also more likely to develop in areas of the body that are frequently exposed to sunlight. It can, however, also develop in areas such as the mouth or genitals.The second most common form of skin cancer globally, SCC treatment prognoses are generally good, provided the diagnosis is confirmed early.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma presents in some different ways. It can appear as scaly, red patches on the skin; thick, rough, wart-like growths; or open sores that fail to heal independently. There are several treatment options, including excision surgery, Mohs surgery, or radiation therapy. Early diagnosis generally results in an easier and less rigorous treatment regime, so be sure to get any suspicious growths checked out quickly.
Melanoma is a highly aggressive and deadly form of skin cancer. Because of how quickly melanoma spreads, in as little as six weeks, your prognosis can shift from a 99% chance of survival to needing end-of-life care. Therefore, early detection of melanoma is so incredibly crucial. Indeed, delaying surgical removal of early-stage melanoma by as little as 30 days can negatively affect your survival chances.
Melanoma frequently presents through changes in the appearance of existing moles or the appearance of new moles or pigmented skin. We suggest remembering your ABCs when it comes to checking yourself for signs of melanoma:
· A for asymmetry – melanoma moles often have two very different-looking halves and are frequently irregularly shaped.
· B for borders – irregular borders on a mole can indicate melanoma.
· C for colour changes – growths with several different colours or uneven colour distribution should be checked immediately.
· D for diameter – moles that expand or change in size could signify melanoma.
· E for evolution – any moles which change in appearance over time should be checked by a medical professional.
Dr. Andrew Raymond provides excision surgery for skin cancer, in addition to performing mole removal and scar revision. He will also liaise with oncologists and other treatment centres on your behalf to ensure that your treatment regime meets your needs. Additionally, Dr. Raymond can perform lymph node surgery should your cancer be more advanced.
For more information about skin cancer treatment with Dr. Raymond, please have a look here.
To schedule a consultation, please call (02)4963 1581 or post an inquiry here.
