Skin Check Wagga
Our Skin
The skin is the largest organ of the body, it has several important functions.
- It acts as a protective layer against injury and disease
- It regulates our body temperature
- It maintains our hydration
The skin consists of three layers:
- The epidermis, or the outer layer
- The dermis, or the inner layer
- The subcutaneous fat layer
The epidermis is made up of cells that produce keratin, a substance that covers the outside of the skin and resists heat, cold and the effects of many chemicals. The cells in the epidermis also produce melanin, the substance that gives our skin its colour. Melanin is able to absorb ultraviolet light and provide some protection from its damaging effects.
What is Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the basal layer of the epidermis. There are three main types of skin cancer in Australia: basal cell carcinoma; squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Melanoma starts in the pigment cells (melanocytes) while basal and squamous cell carcinomas develop from the epidermal cells.
Skin cancer signs and symptoms
- any crusty, non-healing sores
- small lumps that are red, pale or pearly in colour
- new spots, freckles or any moles changing in colour, thickness or shape over a period of weeks to months.
Causes of skin cancer
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Anyone can be at risk of developing skin cancer, though the risk increases as you get older.
The majority of skin cancers in Australia are caused by exposure to UV radiation in sunlight.
Some factors that increase your risk of skin cancer include:
- sunburn
- tanning
- solariums
Types of Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinomas are the most common but least dangerous type of skin cancer. It accounts for about 75% of skin cancers. They grow slowly over months to years but if left untreated, a deep (rodent) ulcer may form. Fortunately, they very rarely spread to other parts of the body. If you have one basal cell carcinoma, you may have others; either at the same time or in later years. Basal cell carcinomas are most commonly found on the face, neck and upper trunk. They may appear as a lump or scaly area and are pale, pearly or red in colour. They may have blood vessels on the surface.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinomas are more dangerous than basal cell carcinomas. It accounts for about 20% of skin cancers. They usually grow over a period of weeks to months. These cancers may spread to other parts of the body (metastasis) if not treated promptly. Squamous cell carcinomas appear on areas of skin most often exposed to the sun. They have scaling, red areas which may bleed easily and ulcerate, looking like an unhealing sore. These common skin cancers generally occur in people over the age of 40. However, squamous cell carcinoma can occur in younger adults. The major cause of these skin cancers is sun exposure over many years.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the rarest but most dangerous skin cancer. It accounts for about 5% of skin cancers. It is often a fast growing cancer which if left untreated can spread quickly to other parts of the body to form secondary cancers or metastases. Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body, not only in areas that are exposed to a lot of sun. The first sign of a melanoma is usually a change in a freckle or mole or the appearance of a new spot on normal skin. Changes can be seen over a period of several weeks to months, not over several days. The changes are in size, shape or colour. Melanoma can occur from adolescence onwards and is most common between 30 and 50 years of age. In rare instances it may develop in children