Skin Cancer Detection And Management

This page is dedicated to providing valuable information about skin cancer. Here, you can learn about the various types of skin cancers, their likelihood of development, and the critical importance of proactive skin protection under the Australian sun.

What Is A Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled and abnormal growth of skin cells. This condition often arises when normal skin cells are damaged, primarily due to cumulative exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, such as from sunburn. In Australia, approximately 98% of skin cancers are attributed to UV radiation exposure.

However, about 2% of skin cancers, including some melanomas, can develop in areas of the skin that have never been exposed to the sun. This means it’s crucial to be vigilant and consult a skin doctor if you notice any new or changing spots or moles, even if they are in areas that have not been sunburned or exposed to sunlight.

Regular check-ups with a skin specialist can help detect skin cancer early, regardless of sun exposure history. Stay proactive about your skin health and seek professional advice if you have any concerns.

Three Main Types of Skin Cancer

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

  • BCC is most common of all skin cancers, making up around 70% of non-melanoma skin cancers.
  • BCC commonly appears on the head, neck and upper body.
  • It appears as red, pale, pearly flat or raised lesion.
  • A BCC may bleed and become inflamed causing ulceration.
  • If left untreated, a BCC will continue to slowly spread and cause large sores(ulceration).
  • Though BCCs do not usually spread to other parts of the body, it is best to treat early to prevent ulceration and damage to the affected area.

Melanoma

  • Melanoma is least common skin cancer, but it is the most dangerous.
  • It mostly arises as a dark, irregularly pigmented patch or lump on the skin
  • Melanoma may also (rarely) present as a pink to red patch or lump.
  • Commonly melanoma arises as a brand new spot.
  • It could also arise in an existing mole that changes in size, shape or colour.
  • Most cases can be successfully treated if caught early, but it can be fatal if treatment is delayed.
  • The earlier the melanoma is diagnosed, the better the chance of survival.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

  • SCC is the second most common skin cancer, accounting for about 30% of non-melanoma skin cancers.
  • SCCs usually develop on sun exposed areas of the body, such as the head, neck and hands.
  • An SCC may look like a sore and may be tender to touch.
  • It is not as dangerous as melanoma but can be deadly if left untreated on areas like lips, ears, scalp or temples.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Advice

If you notice any of the following changes in a mole or spot, it is important to seek urgent medical advice from your skin cancer doctor:

  • Change in Size, Shape, or Colour: Any alterations in the dimensions, form, or hue of a mole or spot.
  • Persistent Itching: If a mole or spot has been itchy for an extended period.
  • Recent Appearance: If a new mole or spot has appeared recently on your skin.
  • Irregular Shape: If the mole or spot has an irregular or asymmetrical shape compared to other moles.

Prompt evaluation by a skin cancer specialist is crucial for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. Don’t hesitate to consult a professional if you have any concerns about changes in your skin.

What Causes Skin Cancer?

The primary cause of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. In Australia, the combination of a high UV index and the prevalence of fair skin significantly increases the risk. Additionally, UV radiation from sources such as solarium tanning beds is also a known cause of skin cancer.

Key Points:

  • Sun Exposure: Prolonged and unprotected exposure to UV radiation from the sun is the main risk factor for developing skin cancer.
  • Tanning Beds: UV radiation from solarium tanning beds contributes to skin cancer risk.
  • Unexposed Areas: In rare cases, skin cancer can develop in areas that have not been exposed to the sun. Research suggests that while skin cells may be damaged during childhood, it is often sun exposure in adulthood that triggers these damaged cells to become cancerous.

Understanding these factors is crucial for effective skin cancer prevention and early detection. Always protect your skin from UV radiation and be vigilant about monitoring any changes in your skin.

Who Is At Risk?

Skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of skin type, color, or overall health. This underscores the importance of finding a trusted skin cancer doctor to discuss your individual risk and establish a plan for regular skin surveillance.

Key Facts:

  • Prevalence: One in three Australians will develop some form of skin cancer in their lifetime.
  • Early Detection: Detecting skin cancer early significantly improves treatment outcomes.
  • Melanoma Risk: Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, making early detection crucial.

To assess your personal risk of melanoma, use the melanoma risk calculator available on the Victorian Melanoma Service website. Taking proactive steps with a qualified skin cancer specialist can help safeguard your health and ensure early intervention if needed.

Who Should Get Skin Check Ups?

Several factors can increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Being aware of these can help you take proactive steps in managing your skin health. Key risk factors include:

  • Fair Skin: Skin that burns easily and does not tan.
  • Eye and Hair Color: Blue or green eyes and/or fair or red hair.
  • Tanning Habits: Use of solariums or tanning beds.
  • Childhood Sunburn: Having suffered sunburn as a child.
  • Childhood Location: Spending your childhood in Australia.
  • Sun Exposure: Working or spending significant leisure time in the sun.
  • Age: Being 50 years old or older.
  • Freckles and Moles: A large number of freckles and moles.
  • Irregular Moles: Moles with an irregular appearance.
  • Concerning Spots: Any worrying spots, moles, or skin lesions.
  • Weakened Immune System: Having a weakened immune system.
  • Family or Personal History: A history of melanoma or other skin cancers in your family or personally.

If you identify with any of these risk factors, it’s important to consult with a skin cancer specialist for regular checks and guidance on skin protection. Early detection and prevention are key to managing skin cancer risk effectively.

Skin Cancer Diagnosis

Initial Consultation

During your initial skin check, a doctor with specialized postgraduate training in skin cancer diagnosis will carry out a thorough assessment:

  • Detailed History: The process begins with a comprehensive review of your medical history and skin health.
  • Comprehensive Examination: You will be asked to undress to your underwear for a full-body examination. Rest assured; your privacy will be maintained at all times.
  • Dermatoscope Use: We utilize a handheld dermatoscope, a high-powered microscope, to inspect your skin for any unusual lesions, spots, or blemishes.
  • Digital Documentation: Suspicious lesions are documented using 18-megapixel high-resolution digital SLR photography and digital dermatoscope imaging. These images are stored in our advanced Canfield Mirror Mole Mapping software for future reference and comparison.
  • Baseline Photos: We take digital images of your back and face as baseline photographs, regardless of whether suspicious lesions are present. These areas are more prone to skin cancer and having a baseline helps with future monitoring.
  • Follow-Up and Additional Procedures: If follow-up visits, biopsies, or skin surgery are needed, we will inform you promptly. Some lesions may require a biopsy and possible surgical removal under local anesthesia, either at our clinic or through a referral to a specialized center.
  • Future Monitoring: Depending on your risk level for future skin cancers, we may recommend Total Body Photography (TBP) and mole mapping, either for your entire body or specific areas.

Total Body Photography

Total Body Photography (TBP) involves a series of high-resolution 18-megapixel digital SLR photographs of your skin, captured in our specialized studio. Equipped with advanced Canfield IntelliStudio Dermagraphix body mapping software, this process provides a detailed medical record of your skin’s surface.

Key Features of TBP:
  • High-Resolution Imaging: The photographs are taken with 18-megapixel clarity, creating a detailed visual record of your skin.
  • Advanced Software: Canfield IntelliStudio Dermagraphix software is used to map your skin, offering precise reference points for monitoring changes over time.
  • Baseline and Monitoring: These images serve as a baseline for future skin checks, enhancing the early detection of potentially dangerous skin cancers, such as melanoma. They also allow you to monitor changes in your skin between visits.
  • Storage: Photos are saved to a USB for your personal use and are also recorded in your computerized medical file at our clinic.

Who May Benefit from TBP:

  • Family History: Individuals with a family history of melanoma.
  • Previous Melanoma: Those who have had a previous melanoma.
  • History of Skin Cancers: People with a history of non-melanoma skin cancers.
  • Fair Skin and Sun Damage: Individuals with fair skin, especially those with red hair, and a history of sun damage.
  • Multiple Moles: Those with a large number of moles (more than 50-100).
  • Atypical Moles: Individuals with more than 5 unusual or atypical moles (irregular in shape, asymmetrical in color, and larger than ordinary).
  • Freckles: Those with numerous freckles.
  • Skin Anxiety: Anyone who is particularly anxious about their moles.

TBP provides a crucial tool for early detection and personalized skin monitoring, ensuring that any significant changes are identified and addressed promptly.

Digital Dermatoscopic Mole Mapping

At our clinics, we use a dermatoscope—a specialized skin surface microscope—attached to a high-resolution digital SLR camera to capture detailed microscopic images of any suspicious moles. This process, known as mole mapping, helps in monitoring moles that have the potential to develop into melanomas.

Key Aspects of Mole Mapping:
  • High-Resolution Imaging: Suspicious moles are photographed using our dermatoscope to obtain detailed images.
  • Follow-Up Monitoring: These images are used to track changes in moles over time, allowing us to detect any developments early.
  • Specialized Software: The high-resolution images are stored in our Canfield Mirror software for accurate future comparisons.
Important Information:
  • Initial Skin Check Required: Total Body Photography (TBP) is not used for the initial diagnosis of moles. An initial skin check is necessary before a TBP appointment. The photographs from TBP are used for future comparison rather than immediate diagnosis.
  • Further Investigation: If a suspicious area is identified, we will conduct further investigations and, if needed, provide treatment or referrals. For complex or advanced melanomas, we refer patients to specialized centers such as the Victoria Melanoma Service at the Alfred.
  • Specialist Referrals: For complex and rare skin conditions, we refer our patients to Melbourne’s top specialist centers for secondary and tertiary care.

Tips For Skin Cancer Prevention

Regular Self-Exams

Check Your Skin Regularly: Inspect your skin frequently, including areas that are not exposed to the sun. Skin cancer can develop on any part of your body, regardless of sun exposure.

Perform Full-Body Checks: Conduct a thorough self-examination to identify any changes in moles, spots, or freckles. Early detection is crucial, as most skin cancers are visible and can be spotted by individuals or close family members.

Early Detection

Act Promptly: If you notice any new or changing moles, spots, or freckles, seek advice from a skin cancer doctor. Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment.

Understand the Signs: Familiarize yourself with what to look for. Skin cancers often present as visible changes in your skin, making regular checks essential.

Professional Consultations

Seek Professional Advice: If you have concerns about any skin changes, consult a skin cancer specialist. They can provide a thorough examination and recommend further steps if needed.

Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage

To minimize your risk of skin cancer, it’s crucial to protect your skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, as 98% of skin cancers are linked to sun exposure. Here’s how you can safeguard yourself:

1. Monitor UV Index:
  • Use the UV Index: Check the UV index to gauge the intensity of UV radiation. This information is often included in weather reports and is crucial for determining when to protect your skin.
  • Daily SunSmart UV Alert: The SunSmart UV Alert provides sun protection times for over 200 locations in Australia. You can access this alert on weather pages of newspapers, through a free smartphone app, or on the SunSmart website.
2. Sun Protection Measures:

When the UV index is 3 or above, follow these steps to protect your skin:

  • Slip on Sun-Protective Clothing: Wear clothing that covers your skin and offers UV protection.
  • Slop on SPF 30+ Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply regularly, especially after swimming or sweating.
  • Slap on a Hat: Choose a wide-brimmed hat that shades your face, neck, and ears.
  • Seek Shade: Stay in the shade whenever possible, especially during peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm).
  • Slide on Sunglasses: Protect your eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses that cover your eyes and the surrounding skin.

By incorporating these sun safety practices, you can significantly reduce your risk of skin cancer and keep your skin healthy. Stay informed and stay protected!

DID YOU KNOW?

Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, making it a critical public health issue. Here are some important statistics and facts:

  • Prevalence: Approximately two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70.
  • Annual Diagnoses: Over 380,000 Australians are diagnosed with skin cancer each year.
  • Mortality Rate: More than 1,600 Australians die from skin cancer annually.
  • Proportion of New Cancers: Skin cancer accounts for about 80% of all new cancers diagnosed each year in Australia.
  • Melanoma Statistics: Australia has the highest rate of melanoma globally. Around 30 Australians are diagnosed with melanoma every day.
  • Age Group: Melanoma is particularly prevalent among people aged 15-39.
  • Melanoma Mortality: Approximately one person dies every six hours from melanoma in Australia. An estimated 515 Australian women and 1,160 Australian men will die from melanoma this year.
  • Sunburn Risk: Severe sunburn during childhood can double the risk of developing melanoma later in life.
  • Tanning Beds: The use of tanning beds and solariums emits harmful UV rays, significantly increasing the risk of melanoma.
  • Melanoma Appearance: Melanoma can develop in normal-looking skin, as well as in moles or freckles.
  • Sun Exposure: Skin cancer can occur on any part of the body, including areas that have not been exposed to the sun.
  • Treatment: There is no cure for melanoma that has spread throughout the body, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment.
  • Preventability: Melanoma is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. If detected and treated early, it has a survival rate of nearly 100%.

Regular skin checks, sun protection, and awareness of changes in your skin are crucial for early detection and effective prevention of skin cancer.