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What Does Skin Cancer Look Like?

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Terms like skin cells, melanoma and treatment may seem overwhelming and we aim to bring you the latest in skin cancer information so you can feel well informed to provide regular self-skin checks. Skin cancer is common in both men and women and can range from highly treatable to life-threatening, based on the type of cancer found, wherein the body and at what stage of growth. 

Skin cancer forms when the skin cells are under pressure or when sun-exposed areas of the skin are damaged. When exposed to the sun, your body receives ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and skin damage occurs. The Cancer Council recognises three main types of skin cancer, dependent on where the sun damage occurs, targeting either the basal cells, squamous cells and melanocytes in the skin. Common skin cancers can attack all sun-exposed areas across different body parts, and it's integral to know the warning signs and what to look out for on your skin to ensure quick treatment. 

We've addressed some of the most integral points of the information below and have skin cancer images in this blog to help you to know what to look for in your self-examinations. Read on for more information on the types of cancers, what to look for on your skin, and how to determine if that strange spot should be a concern.

How do you know if a spot is skin cancer?

Knowing what to look for on your skin can mean the difference between early treatment or the skin cancer developing into dangerous melanomas. Common skin cancers can be highly treatable if detected early. Regular check-ups are important, especially if your risk of skin cancer is increased through family member history or increased sun exposure. Everyone, regardless of skin colour, is at risk of contracting skin cancer, however having fairer skin can place you at greater risk. Regularly checking your body from top to bottom for strange spots, bumps, mole changes, an uncommon sore, or unusual skin growths can be a lifesaving aspect of your routine. 

According to the Cancer Council, when examining all areas of your skin, check for the 'ABCDEs', being:

Asymmetry 

This is when a mole or spot has different edges or the sides don't match 

Border

The bump, mole or spots don't have straight or outlined edges 

Colour 

The mole or sore isn't one colour all over and maybe black, pink, red or white 

Diameter 

The spot is larger than 1/4 inch (or a pencil eraser) and may have grown larger since your last check 

Evolving 

The mole changes shape, size or colour over time

Following these simple ABCDEs and knowing the signs and types of skin cancer can make the disease easily preventable and treatable. The skin cancer images included in this article are a great starting point for knowing what to look for on your skin. 

What does melanoma look like?

The Cancer Councils understanding Melanoma resource details Melanoma as a type of cancer that is the result of melanin impacted by the suns UV radiation. Melanin forms the pigment and colouration of the skin and can be present in other parts of the body, such as the eyes and intestines. Melanomas can vary greatly in how they look, and looking out for the ABCDEs is the best way to determine if your spot needs an observation from a dermatologist or skin cancer doctor. Additionally, a checkup is an urgent priority if the texture or feel of your spot or mole changes or the skin breaks down and becomes flaky, itchy, hard, lumpy, or painful. 

Our skin cancer images include those of melanoma. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and causes very specific changes that differentiate moles from being 'safe' or 'dangerous'. There are three types of skin cells, resulting in three main types of skin cancers: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanocytes. Melanoma is a cancer that forms in the melanocytes and is relatively rare in comparison to basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, making up only 1 per cent of skin cancers (Cancer Council). While being the most dangerous, melanoma is easy to treat if caught from an early warning sign, which is why it's so integral to get to know what to look out for through our skin cancer images, skin cancer facts and a wealth of information on our blog.

skin cancer mole
skin cancer spot
skin cancer on arm

What can be mistaken for skin cancers? 

Many skin changes occur over time, which could be mistaken for skin cancer. The most commonly confused skin lesions and spots that occur over all parts of the body include:

Blackheads and pimples 
Blackheads and pimples occur in almost everyone throughout their lifetime and can grow, change, and ooze. However, they should disappear within a couple of weeks, even quicker with proper skincare. Skin cells have a typical turnover cycle of 4-6 weeks, so a blackhead or pimple shouldn't last longer than this. 

Psoriasis 
Psoriasis is a skin condition that attacks healthy skin cells, leaving red and itchy patches. This can often cause a build-up on the surface of the skin that can be mistaken for cancer due to the similarities of silvery scales, small spots, and itchy skin, which are important to look out for in skin cancer checkups. 

Moles
Moles are the most common types of growth found on the skin, and they appear primarily in early adulthood. The discovery of a new mole or skin lesions can be concerning and is commonly mistaken as skin cancer. The knowledge of melanomas being asymmetrical, irregular and strangely coloured can heighten this concern, as moles often follow a similar pattern. Therefore, it is always best to avoid caution with new or changing moles, especially if they present with any pain or strange textures. 

Cherry Angioma 
Cherry angiomas are benign growths on the skin that present as cherry-red moles or lumps. Generally found on the chest or back, cherry angiomas are most common in those over 40 and are the result of an overgrowth of blood vessels. These skin conditions are benign and not necessary to remove.

Just as there are skin issues that can be mistaken as skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma can be, unfortunately, misdiagnosed and confused with benign skin issues. When in doubt, it is always essential to get a check-up with an experienced doctor to ensure maximum protection against the development of skin cancer. 

What is basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer occurring in one in five people throughout their lifetime (Cancer Council). Basal cell carcinoma is caused by sun exposure through UV rays attacking the basal skin cells in the outer layer of the skin. Basal cell carcinoma can often be confused for a blemish or bump and can appear in any body area exposed to the sun. 

A shiny, reddish, dry area of skin may indicate the presence of a basal cell carcinoma. Other signs can include a small lump, an open sore, or a growth with an elevated border. Basal cell carcinoma is often completely asymptomatic.

Basal cell carcinoma is the least dangerous and easily treatable type of skin cancer. It most commonly appears in the head, neck, or torso. It grows slowly over months or even years and can be easily diagnosed and treated by a GP. 

What are squamous cell carcinomas?

The Cancer Council describes Squamous cell carcinoma as the second most common form of skin cancer. It can develop on any part of the body that receives sun exposure. Squamous cell carcinoma isn't as dangerous as melanoma, but it can spread to other parts of the body if not treated. It usually develops when the cells in the top layer of the skin grow and divide uncontrolled. 

These skin cancers tend to grow quite quickly, and symptoms of their presence include a rapidly growing lump, scaly red spots, open sores, and tenderness when touched.

It takes more than typical exposure to the sun's radiation to develop this disease, and using tanning beds, tanning oil, or forgoing sun protection can exponentially increase the risk of contracting squamous cell carcinoma. If left untreated, squamous cell carcinoma can be aggressive and spread quickly to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes. 

How to lower the risk of skin cancer

After learning about the types of skin cancer and how dangerous the sun can be for your skin, it can be concerning and even frightening. Rest assured, by knowing the signs and types of cancers to look out for and using correct sun protection, avoiding the risk of cancer cells growing from the sun's radiation is easier. Early detection is integral, and with the proper treatment and regular examinations from your doctor, the survival rate for every type of skin cancer is positive.

Avoiding damage and danger from the sun is made easy with simple steps such as applying correct sunscreen year-round (even in winter!), using a hat and some shade, treating sunburn immediately, and paying close attention to any subtle or significant changes to the surface of your skin. The appearance, texture and feel of the skin are important things to note every day and tuning into the health of your skin should be an integral part of your daily self-care. Additionally, a yearly visit to a dermatologist is an important habit and can mean the difference between detecting your skin issues in time or too late for effective treatment. For more information on protecting yourself and your family from the sun's rays, read our blog here. 

SunDoctors has a host of expert doctors in clinics Australia-wide, and we exist to bring the latest and best treatment options, a depth of information, and the right doctor for you every time. We train doctors and provide patient information regularly, specialising in skin checks and skin cancer treatment. We are dedicated to the early diagnosis of skin cancer with streamlined, doctor-led processes and state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. Our clinics host highly skilled and qualified doctors and are integrated with onsite pathology laboratories to bring your results as soon as possible. We are the largest skin-focused service in Australia. 

Call 13SKIN or book an appointment online at a clinic near you to get to the bottom of your skin concerns. We guarantee the highest certainty and the complete solution for your immediate and ongoing skin concerns, along with a priority of excellent patient care and experience. 

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