Skin Cancers
The three main types of skin cancers:
1. Melanoma
The least common but most serious form of skin cancer, the first sign of melanoma is a change in the colour or size of a freckle or mole, or the appearance of a new spot on the skin. This "spot" may have flecks of brown, black, blue or red in it. A melanoma has an irregular edge and appears or changes over a period of a few weeks or months and spreads easily. This is the most common form of skin cancer in 20 - 40 year olds but the risk of developing a melanoma increases with age. If diagnosed and treated early, treatment is usually successful. For printable info on melanoma click here.
This skin cancer is more common in people over 40 years of age and like melanoma can be lethal if left untreated, yet if found early is easily treated. This cancer is a raised, crusty, non-healing sore that often appears on a persons face, forearms, hands or neck.
This is the commonest skin cancer accounting for about 75% of all skin cancers. It is a pale , red or pearly smooth lump, usually found on the face, neck and arms. Although the least dangerous type of skin cancer it can become dangerous if left untreated.
These are flat, red or sometimes brown scaling spots which are a sign of skin damage and provide a warning sign that cancer could develop. These are common in fair skinned people over 40 yrs old who usually have had a lot of exposure to the sun. The most common sites are the face and hands.
