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Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells, typically triggered by unrepaired DNA damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, often referred to as our "national cancer." It can manifest as a changing mole, a sore that doesn't heal, or a new growth. While the statistics are alarming, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer when detected early through regular professional screening.

Key Points

  • Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer by the age of 70.
  • Early detection saves lives: Melanoma is highly curable if treated in its initial stages.
  • Skin checks should be a regular part of your health routine, typically annually.
  • Not all skin cancers look like dark moles; some appear as pink spots or scaly patches.
  • Anyone can get skin cancer, but those with fair skin or a history of sunburn are at higher risk.

What is a Skin Cancer?

A skin cancer check is a comprehensive medical examination of your skin performed by a trained professional. Using a dermatoscope (a specialized hand-held microscope), the doctor examines moles and lesions to detect structural changes not visible to the naked eye. The goal is to identify pre-cancerous lesions or early-stage cancers before they spread or require extensive surgery.

Who needs a skin check?

While everyone should self-monitor their skin, professional checks are recommended for all adults in Australia. You are at higher risk if you have:

- Fair skin that burns easily.

-  A history of blistering sunburns in childhood.

- Many moles (more than 50) or atypical/dysplastic moles.

- A personal or family history of melanoma or other skin cancers.

- An outdoor occupation or lifestyle.

Contact Smooth Skin Clinic to schedule your comprehensive full-body skin examination.

Clinical features

Skin cancers vary greatly in appearance, but common warning signs include:

  • The "Ugly Duckling": A mole that looks different from all your others.

  • The ABCDE Rule (for Melanoma):

    • Asymmetry (one half doesn't match the other)

    • Border irregularity (ragged edges)

    • Colour variation (shades of tan, brown, black, or red)

    • Diameter (larger than 6mm)

    • Evolving (changing in size, shape, or colour)

  • Non-Melanoma signs: A sore that won't heal, a pearly bump, or a rough, scaly patch that bleeds easily.

Diagnosis and differential diagnosis

Diagnosis begins with a clinical examination using dermoscopy, which allows the doctor to see pigment patterns below the skin surface. If a suspicious lesion is found, a biopsy is performed. This involves removing a small sample of the tissue (shave, punch, or excision) to be examined by a pathologist under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.

Impact and complications

The impact depends on the type of cancer. Non-melanoma skin cancers (BCC/SCC) rarely spread but can be locally destructive, growing deep into tissues and causing disfigurement if left untreated. Melanoma is aggressive and can metastasize (spread) to lymph nodes and internal organs (lungs, brain, liver), becoming life-threatening. This is why early detection is critical.

Causes and triggers

    • UV Radiation: The primary cause (approx. 95%) is exposure to UV radiation from the sun or solariums (tanning beds).

    • Genetics: Inherited genes (such as CDKN2A mutations) can increase susceptibility.

    • Skin Type: People with Type I & II skin (pale, burns easily) have less melanin protection.

    • Immune Suppression: Organ transplant recipients or those on immunosuppressive drugs have a significantly higher risk.

Treatment Options

  • Cryotherapy Freezing superficial pre-cancerous sun spots with liquid nitrogen.
  • Topical Immunotherapy Prescription creams (e.g., Imiquimod or 5-FU) used to treat superficial cancers and sun damage by stimulating the body's immune response.
  • Curettage and Cautery Scraping away the cancer cells and sealing the wound with heat (suitable for superficial cancers).
  • Surgical Excision The gold standard for most skin cancers. The lesion is cut out with a safety margin of healthy skin, and the area is stitched closed.
  • Serial Curettage For specific superficial lesions.

Expectations and Outcomes: Cure rates are exceptionally high (>95%) for early-stage skin cancers. Regular follow-up is essential, as having one skin cancer increases the risk of developing others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about scheduling or what to expect? Here are answers to common inquiries to help you feel fully prepared.

To perform a thorough examination, we recommend a full-body check down to your underwear. Skin cancer can occur in areas not exposed to the sun (such as between the toes or on the soles of feet). However, your comfort is our priority, and we can check only specific spots if you prefer.

If a suspicious spot is identified, we will discuss the options with you immediately. In many cases, we can perform a biopsy on the same day. For obvious pre-cancerous sun spots, we may treat them instantly with cryotherapy (freezing).

For the general population, an annual check is the standard recommendation. However, if you have a history of melanoma or are high-risk, we may recommend checks every 3 to 6 months.