Melanoma and skin cancers
Melanoma
Melanoma accounts for 1-2% of skin cancer but is the most aggressive form of and if not treated can spread to other parts of the body and become fatal.​​
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Melanoma can occur as a new skin lesion or within an existing lesion. Melanoma can range from an obvious dark spot to a very subtle pink or brown. It is important to seek a medical opinion for new or changing skin lesions as well as a regular skin check. Melanomas can occur on skin that has been in the sun as well as skin that hasn't been in the sun, as well as in other organs without a skin lesion present. ​
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Any new or changing lesion should be reviewed by a doctor experienced in evaluation of skin cancer.
Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer
Skin cancer that is not melanoma is often referred to as Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer and includes Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) and other less common skin cancers.
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The Cancer Council references BCC's are approximately 65% of skin cancers and SCC's approximately 33%. These lesions can vary in appearance from a clear, pink or brown lesion that could be flat, ulcerated or raised. These often grow slowly over months but can also occur quickly and grow rapidly. These lesions appears mostly in sun exposed areas and if not treated continue to grow resulting in pain, bleeding and erosion of surrounding skin structures and organs such as eyes, ears, nose, etc.
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If not treated appropriately there is a chance of these lesions spreading to lymph nodes and other organs
Sun damaged skin
Sun exposure to skin can lead to signs of skin ageing and damage. Solar keratoses (also know as actinic keratoses) are a sign of sun damage and possible future skin cancers. These range from small pink lesions to larger pink or scaly white ares of skin. These areas can be asymptomatic or can be dry, itchy and uncomfortable.
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There are a variety of treatments for sun damaged skin to both treat the lesion and possibly prevent future skin cancers developing.