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SKIN CANCER TYPES

Solar (Actinic) Keratoses (sunspots) are precancerous lesions caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. A proportion of Actinic Keratoses if left untreated may progress to skin cancer known as a Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer worldwide. Basal Cell Carcinomas are caused by environmental factors including sunlight and genetic factors. There are different variants of BCCs, which reflects the biological behaviour of the cancer.

Squamous Cell Carcinomas (SCC) are the second most common skin cancer in Australia. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is a common risk factor for developing SCCs. Other risk factors include a suppressed immune system, sites of previous injury such as a burn or radiation, or a viral infection such as the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

Bowen’s disease is a form of skin cancer confined to the top layer of the skin. It is characterised by a persistent, non-elevated, red, scaly or crusted plaque with a small potential to turn into an invasive SCC.

Malignant Melanoma can arise as a new spot on your skin or from an existing mole that has recently changed. It is important to tell your dermatologist about any new or changing moles. A biopsy is necessary to make a diagnosis of Malignant Melanoma.

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