Risk factors of non-melanoma skin cancers

BCCs and SCCs are most likely to occur in areas of the body that get high or intermittent sun exposure such as the arms, face, neck, chest, back, and legs. Other risk factors include:

• Fair skin
• High amount of unusual moles (dysplastic naevi)
• Chemotherapy
• Suppressed immune system, either from a medical condition or medication
• Family history of skin cancer
• Tanning beds/solariums

Characteristics of BCCs and SCCs

BCC Characteristics

• Slow growth
• Pearly edges and lump
• Dry, scaly, and shiny spot

SCC Characteristics

• Quick growing
• Tender or sore
• Non-healing wound
• Thick, red, and scaly spot

What does Melanoma look like?

Any skin lesion that has the following features should be checked by a doctor as it can be a sign of Melanoma:

• Getting darker or changing colour
• Getting bigger
• Becoming raised or changing shape
• Becoming itchy or bleeding
• Developing edges that are irregular or spiky in appearance
• Any new mole or unexplained skin lesion that develops in adulthood

While a Melanoma usually develops on the skin, it can also happen in other tissues, such as under a fingernail or toenail, on the pink tissue that lines parts of the body such as the mouth, vulva, anus or even in the eye. Whilst Melanomas are usually dark brown or black, less commonly they can be other colours, such as pink, purple, red, blue, skin-coloured or white.

What is the ABCDE method?

The ABCDE method is a good way to remember the warning signs for Melanoma.

• A – Asymmetry (an irregular-shaped mole or skin lesion)
• B – Border (the edges of the skin lesion become irregular)
• C – Colour (the lesion starts to change in colour)
• D – Diameter (Melanoma is usually more than 6mm in diameter- though any lesion that is getting bigger should be checked)
• E – Evolving (if the lesion is changing and growing).

How is Melanoma diagnosed?

• Your doctor may be able to tell by asking questions and looking at the lesion.
• They may use a dermascope (a special type of magnifying glass) to take a more detailed look
• A biopsy may be recommended, which will be analysed by a pathologist.

What is the treatment for Melanoma?

• Melanoma is usually removed surgically by a skin specialist- if it is recognised and treated early, it is a very curable condition.
• A certain amount of tissue needs to be removed around the lesion to make sure no abnormal cells are left behind- the amount depends on the thickness (depth) of the Melanoma and whether it has spread elsewhere.
• Sometimes lymph nodes (glands) need to be surgically removed too.
• If Melanoma has spread to other parts of the body, such as bone, brain or lungs, treatment may involve surgery, radiotherapy and/or immunotherapy (special medications that help the immune system fight the cancer cells)
• If Melanoma is advanced and has spread to other parts of the body, treatment may be palliative- i.e. aimed at maximising quality of life rather than cure, by reducing pain or other symptoms.

If you have concerns about Melanoma or if you’re worried about a skin lesion, speak to your GP or dermatologist.

Further patient resources:

www.cancer.org.au

www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

www.melanoma.org.au