Common Types in Australia
Melanoma
- Nodular or fast-growing melanoma, which usually looks like a mole or bug bite.
- Superficial spreading or slow-growing melanoma that is thin in appearance and spreads across the skin’s top layer.
Nodular melanomas are very aggressive and can be fatal in just a couple of weeks. They can progress very swiftly that many are not even able to go for a medical check-up. That is why early detection and treatment is crucial for those afflicted with this type of melanoma.
On the other hand, superficial spreading or slow melanomas may take months or years to become fatal. Because they look like regular moles, meticulous skin tests are needed for prompt detection. Fortunately, its slower progression gives afflicted people more time to go for medical check-ups and early treatments.
Just like with other cancers, a tumour’s stage is the most crucial factor that determines a person’s chances of survival. Early-stage cases, such as melanomas in situ, can still be treated through surgery. Such tumours are confined to the epidermis or upper skin layers, which can be surgically removed.
On the other hand, late-stage melanomas have high fatality risk. It’s because by then, cancer cells have already metastasised to other areas and may require more aggressive treatments.
If you’re worried about your moles, visit our centre. We can perform the necessary skin checks and analyses to determine if they’re benign, pre-cancerous or cancerous.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Some of the physical characteristics of basal cell carcinoma include:
- A small round or flat shape
- Red, pearly or pale colour
- Typically affects people aged 40 and above
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Other Types of Skin Cancers
- Actinic or solar keratosis
- Anaplasia
- Bowens Disease
- Compound Naevus
- Dysplasia
- Junctional Naevus
- Keratoacanthoma
- Keratosis Follicularis
- Lentigo
- Lentigo Maligna
- Melanotic freckle
- Naevus
- Seborrhoeic Keratosis
- Verruca Vulgaris – Common wart