Skin procedures
Skin cancers
Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers and Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world! More than 66% of us will develop a skin cancer of some kind during our lives.
Skin cancer usually occurs in people who have been exposed to too much ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. People in the higher risk category of developing skin cancer usually have:
Fair skin and freckle easily
Light-coloured hair and eyes
A large number of moles, or moles of unusual size or shape
A family history of skin cancer or a personal history of blistering sunburn
Spent a lot of time working or playing outdoors
Intense, year-round sun exposure. This includes people who live closer to the equator, at a higher altitude, or in any place that gets intense sunshine
Skin cancer needs to be treated promptly as it can be just as life threatening as any other cancer if left untreated. The danger of skin cancer is that it can spread (metastasise) to other parts of the body if treatment is not undertaken.
So what are the types of skin cancers?
Basal cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
Melanoma
The first two are often called “non-melanoma skin cancer”.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma
Melanoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is by far the most common type of skin cancer. Fortunately, it’s also the least dangerous. Three-quarters of Australians who have skin cancer have BCC. It tends to grow slowly, and rarely spreads beyond its original site. However, if left untreated, it can grow deep beneath the skin and into the underlying tissue and bone, causing serious damage, particularly if it is located near the eye.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is faster growing than Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC). Of those Australians with skin cancer, about 2 in 10 have a SCC. It frequently appears on the head, neck, hands and forearms, which typically receive more sunlight. SCC is more dangerous than BCC because it can spread to other parts of the body if not treated promptly. SC can become life threatening if left untreated.
SCC looks like a red scaly spot or lump and is usually thickened. It can bleed easily and may ulcerate. It is usually tender to the touch.
Melanoma
Although melanoma is usually highly malignant, it occurs in only about 5 people out of 100 with skin cancer. Melanoma can usually be treated successfully if diagnosed early. If it’s not treated quickly, however, malignant melanoma may spread throughout the body and is often deadly. Malignant melanoma can occur on any part of the body, including areas that have not been exposed to the sun. In women, it is more common in the arms and legs, and in men on the face, back and chest. About half of all cases of melanoma develop from moles. The other half develop on previously normal skin as a new lesion.
Dr Chopra works alongside experienced GPs and Dermatologists to provide the most optimal and timely care for patients. All types of skin cancers can be managed at the practise will a supportive team of senior nurses to ensure good post operative wound and scar care following your surgery.
