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Skin Cancer

Anyone can develop skin cancers but some people are more prone to them than others. You might be at risk for skin cancers if you are fair-skinned, have many moles, have a history of excessive sun-exposure or if you have family members with a history of skin cancers.

Symptoms

Skin cancers result from the abnormal growth of skin cells. There are two main categories of skin cancers - melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). The two most common NMSCs are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Basal Cell Carcinoma

This is the most common type of skin cancer, and is the least aggressive form. Basal cell carcinomas appear as slowing-growing, pearly bumps that are usually red or pale in colour, that may occasionally ulcerate. They can affect any part of the body, but most commonly appear on sun-exposed areas, such as the face and neck.

Melanoma

Melanomas are rarer compared to BCCs and SCCs. They are more deadly as these cancers have a greater propensity to spread to other parts of the body if not treated early. Melanomas may develop as a “new mole”, or evolve from an existing mole. Clinically, they can present as a pigmented growth with irregular edges and with variations in colour. They may have no symptoms, but some patients may complain of bleeding, itch or pain. In the early stages, melanomas may look like regular moles to the naked eye, with telling features visible only when examined with a dermatoscope. Melanomas can occur anywhere on the skin, but are mostly likely to present on the legs in females, and on the trunk in men.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This commonly presents as a thick patch or a red growth that may become crusted or ulcerated. They may mimic eczema or may appear as a wound, hence a non-healing wound or patch of ‘eczema’ should be further evaluated to exclude this. SCCs also tend to occur on sun-exposed sites. They are more likely than BCCs to spread to other parts of the body, and may be fatal.

The ABCDE Rule Is A Useful Guide For Early Detection Of Melanomas

Asymmetry​

If a line was drawn through the mole, both sides don’t look alike.

Border irregularity​

The edges of the mole are ragged or blurred.

Color​

The mole is non-uniform in colour.

Diameter​

Melanomas are usually greater than 6mm in size.

Evolving​

A mole that is changing in size, shape or colour over a short period of time.

Asymmetry​

If a line was drawn through the mole, both sides don’t look alike.

Border irregularity​

The edges of the mole are ragged or blurred.

Color​

The mole is non-uniform in colour.

Diameter​

Melanomas are usually greater than 6mm in size.

Evolving​

A mole that is changing in size, shape or colour over a short period of time.

Skin Cancer Screening

To identify skin cancer, a screening examination is performed by a dermatologist. Your doctor would examine you from head-to-toe including sites that might be hard for you to examine yourself, which include the scalp, genitals and soles of the feet. The doctor may examine particular lesions more closely with a dermatoscope, which is a special magnifying device. Should there be any lesions that appear suspicious, your provider may recommend a skin biopsy. This is a simple surgical procedure in which the lesion is removed either partially or totally, and submitted to the laboratory for further analysis.

Treatments

Topical creams

Cryotherapy

Surgery

Blood tests

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Our dermatologists will discuss a personalised treatment plan with you.

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Camden Medical Centre
Katong i12