Currently skin cancer serves as the most rampant type of cancer in the whole wide world and given the current trend, one cannot underestimate the fact that the incidences might just be on the rise. Research indicates that as many as 90 percent of skin cancers are associated with sun exposure, either to the sun’s rays or artificial sources such as tanning lamps. Due to the high danger associated with skin cancer measures call for performing screening and treatment as early as possible to boost the survival rate of patients with this disease.
Understanding Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is actually a group of cancers that are tumours developing in the skin. They can originate from any skin cells and may present in a wide variety of ways. The primary types of skin cancer include:
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The type of skin cancer most often diagnosed is BCC which is derived from the basal cells in the epidermis. This is more often manifested as a tiny round smooth-surfaced nodule or an ulcerated lesion which fails to heal. They present as slow growing masses that are almost always confined to the breast but are capable of causing considerable morbidity if neglected.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): SCC originates from squamous cells in the epidermis of the skin and it presents in the form of a red, scaly skin tags or malignant ulcerations or open sores that may be hemorrhagic. Although SCCs tend to metastasise more often than BCCs, it is usually possible to cure both types of skin cancers if they are diagnosed at the early stages.
Melanoma: The worst type of skin cancer, melanoma is identified with melanocytes, cells that synthesise the skin colour pigment. Melanomas can arise de novo or within existing lesions which may be clinically or dermoscopically asymmetric, have irregular and wide margins, different colours, and dimensions. Melanoma should be detected early because once it has developed, it may invade other organs in the body if not treated within time.
Skin cancer spreads at a faster rate and affects a greater number of people in Australia; reasonably, two in every three Australians are likely to develop at least one form of skin carcinoma before they are 70 years of age. Skin cancer checks and any measure for its management should be encouraged by this high incidence indicated in the study.
Diagnosing Suspicious Moles
Indeed, in diagnosing skin cancer especially melanoma errors are not acceptable because they may lead to wrong treatment. Skin cancer can be successfully treated depending on how early it is diagnosed. Our medical team is highly skilled in the detection and management of skin cancers, including:
Actinic Keratosis: These are hard, scaly skin lesions that are induced by prolonged exposure to the sun. Although the growths themselves are not cancerous, actinic keratosis can lead to the formation of squamous cell carcinoma.
Atypical Moles: More specifically, called dysplastic nevi, these are abnormal moles that have features that may suggest melanoma is likely to develop.
Basal Cell Carcinoma: Rarely fatal and a type of skin cancer that is usually individuals appear as a small benign looking pearly nodule or an ulcer that has not healed. It can cause local damage and sometimes it has to be surgically removed.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Although in some cases it forms a red scaly patch or an ulcer, it may invade the adjoining structures if not diagnosed early.
Melanoma: Down known form its oval form, ragged edges and multiple colours melanoma demands early and vigorous intervention to avoid its spread.
The Role of Skin Cancer Education
Education can be perhaps seen as a linchpin in the fight against skin cancer as well as in the course of its treatment at the earliest stages. Our opinion is that educated clients are able to become more active in skin care. To support your learning, our encompassing educational material assists you and your family differentiate skin cancer signs and facilitate a plausible prevention plan. We are concerned with creating awareness of the signs and causes of skin cancer so that people may be encouraged to make the necessary decisions about the skin.
Many of the patients we have had in our hospital have helped to self diagnose skin cancer in their family members after going through the programmes we have in mole mapping and skin cancer education. This has reduced the problem to an extent of calling for early intervention and thus treatment in joviality for more people.
Comprehensive Skin Cancer Checks
Though, our skin cancer-checking service is aimed at giving you a comprehensive and sequential health check on your skin. With your consent, we will complete a full-body skin check in the course of your appointment with the help of modern tools and professionals. This process includes:
Dermatoscope Examination: We employ a dermatoscope, a piece of equipment which provides a wider view of the skin, giving our doctors a better chance of more accurate identification of moles and lesions. This tool assists in noticing changes in the skin that may be indicative of cancerous growths, changes that would otherwise be very hard to detect.
Digital Dermoscopic Imaging: Using a high resolution digital dermoscopy camera, moles and lesions that fit certain parameters are photographed. It offers detailed internal and external structures of the moles to produce extensive and accurate information to manage diagnosis and monitor changes and evolutions.
Total Body Skin Check: Every skin check utilises a master total body surveying test. Our trained staff will go through every skin mole and lesion keenly, creating dermoscopy and total body skin imaging for assessment purposes.
Post-Examination Procedures
Following the skin examination, a doctor will be able to tell that patient what they found and any treatment that may be required and advise the patient on the future control or prevention of skin diseases. If necessary and if the patient permits, some procedures may be carried within the same visit. Every total body skin check lasts up to 30 minutes and can administered to those who are 18 years and above annually.
That is why it is essential, as well as practical, to perform the skin cancer self-check regularly to safeguard your skin and save yourself from other severe diseases. The advantage of being active with your skin health is that it greatly reduces your chances of developing an aggressive skin cancer and also gives a chance for timely treatments. Make an appointment for your full body skin check today and for the ones you love.