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What Is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer, like cancer in other organs of the body, is the result of the uncontrolled, abnormal growth of cells. Cells are the tiny, individual units of all organs in our body, and they are responsible for the normal activity that keeps us healthy. When the cells in the skin begin to grow in an uncontrolled, abnormal fashion, a tumor will result. This tumor may be benign or malignant.

A malignant tumor is considered a cancer and should be removed to prevent the possibility of invasion and destruction of surrounding normal tissue, or the spread of the cancer to other organs in the body. This is known as a metastasis. Fortunately, metastasis of skin cancer is not common. Skin cancers, however, frequently invade surrounding normal tissue causing extensive destruction of skin and body structures.

Benign tumors do not metastasize and, in general, do not cause harm to a patient if they are not removed.
Skin Spots to Watch


Melanoma

  • The most dangerous skin cancer.
  • If untreated, cancer cells spread to other parts of the body. If treated early, 95% are cured.
  • Appears as a new spot, or an existing spot, freckle or mole that changes colour, size or shape.
  • Usually has an irregular or smudgy outline and is more than one colour.
  • Grows over weeks to months, anywhere on the body.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

  • Not as dangerous as melanoma but may spread to other parts of the body if not treated.
  • A thickened red, scaly spot. Later it may bleed easily or ulcerate.
  • Appears on sites most often exposed to the sun.
  • Grows over some months.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

  • Most common and least dangerous skin cancer.
  • Appears as a lump or scaling area.
  • Red, pale or pearly in colour.
  • As it grows it may become ulcerated like an unhealing sore or one that heals then breaks down again.
  • Grows slowly, usually on the head, neck and upper torso.

Dysplastic Naevi

  • Not skin cancer, but a warning that you may be more prone to melanoma.
  • Often flat, fairly large moles which share some of the features of early melanoma.
  • Characterised by irregular borders and uneven colour with multiple shades of brown and sometimes pick.

Solar Keratoses

  • Not a skin cancer but a warning that you are prone to developing skin cancer.
  • Characterised by red, flattish, scaling areas which may sting if scratched.
  • Sunspots appear on sun-exposed skin in the over 40 age group.

Freckles & Moles

  • Freckles are harmless colored spots that range in size from 1 to 10mm.
  • Moles are evently coloured and may be raised although they do not have to be.
  • Moles have clear, even edges and are usually circular or oval in shape.

Seborrhoeic Keratoses

  • By the age of 60, most people have at least one or two.
  • They have a very discrete edge and frequently sit up on top of the skin.
  • Colour varies from pale skin through orange to black.
  • Size varies from a few millimeters to 2cm.

 

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