What is skin cancer?

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer occurs when skin cells grow abnormally. There are three main types, each named after the skin cell from which they develop:

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

Also known as “rodent ulcer,” BCC is the most common cancer globally. While rarely fatal, untreated BCC can disfigure the skin, similar to how a mouse chews on cheese. More aggressive BCCs can infiltrate nerves, cartilage, and even the skull, making them harder to recognize and treat. Despite their slow growth, early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent significant cosmetic and structural damage.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

SCC is the second most common skin cancer and is more dangerous than BCC because it can spread to other body parts, particularly if the tumour is thick and located on the scalp, ear, or lip. In Australia, SCC causes approximately 300 deaths annually. Precursors to SCC, such as “sunspots” (actinic or solar keratosis) and Bowen’s disease, should be treated to prevent them from becoming invasive SCCs. If a sunspot turns into SCC, it often stings or becomes sore and then grows rapidly.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the third most common skin cancer in Australia, with around 9,000 diagnoses and about 1,600 deaths annually. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve survival rates. Melanoma in situ (Level 1) is confined to the top skin layer and is completely curable if excised early. However, as melanoma thickens, the cure rate decreases dramatically. A melanoma less than 0.75 mm thick has a 95% cure rate, whereas one 4 mm thick reduces the average life expectancy to less than 50% at five years.