Cancer can develop
in the cells of the skin. Skin cancers
are named after the type of cell they
start from.
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell
carcinoma are the two most common types
of skin cancer. They are sometimes
called non-melanoma skin cancer.
The third most common type of skin
cancer is melanoma, which begins in the
melanocytes.
There are other rare skin cancers, such
as those that arise from the sweat
glands.
Other spots that
aren’t skin cancer can also appear. They
are warning signs that your skin has
received too much sun and you may be
more prone to melanoma or other skin
cancers.
Solar Keratoses
Commonly known as sunspots, Solar
Keratoses usually occur in people aged
over 40. They appear the head, neck,
arms and legs.
Usually flattish, scaly patches. May be
pale or red, and may sting if scratched.
Some may develop into squamous cell
cancers.
An information sheet is available
HERE.
Dysplastic naevi
Most commonly recognised as moles. Have
an irregular shape and an uneven colour.
People with many dysplastic naevi are
more likely to develop melanoma.
An information sheet is available
HERE.
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Basal
Cell Carcinoma
Accounts for 70-85% of all
skin cancers. Most common in
people over 40 years of age
but can develop in younger
people.
Usually develop on the head,
neck and upper body. Some
appear on the arms and legs.
Small, round or flattened in
shape; red, pale or
pearly in colour. Slow
growing.
Doesn’t usually spread to
other parts of the body. If
left untreated may grow
deeper into the skin and
damage nearby tissue. This
may make treatment more
difficult and increase the
chance of the skin cancer
coming back.
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Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Accounts for 15-20% of all
skin cancers. Most common in
people aged over 50.
Usually appears on the head,
neck, hands and forearms.
Less often, it can develop
on the upper body or the
legs.
Thickened red, scaly spots,
which later may bleed easily
or be tender to touch. They
can look like a sore that
hasn’t healed.
Grows quickly over several
months. Can spread to other
parts of the body. |
Melanoma
Makes
up 5% of all cancer cases.
Most serious but can be
treated successfully when
diagnosed early.
New spot, or an existing
freckle or mole may change
in size, shape or colour.
Irregular edge or surface,
blotchy with brown, black,
blue, red, white or light
grey colour.
May itch, bleed or become
larger or irregular in
shape. Normally noticed over
weeks or months rather than
days.
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