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Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
BCC is the most common type of skin cancer. It grows from cells in the lower part of the upper layer of the skin. The growth tends to be quite slow, taking a period of months to years, and only rarely do these cancers spread throughout the body.
BCCs most commonly appear on the face, head, neck and trunk regions and can occur in difficult to treat areas such as near the eye and the lower legs. In short, BCCs can occur on any area of the body. In most cases they are curable and one can achieve excellent cosmetic results.
Types of BCCs
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NODULAR AND NODULAR-ULCERATIVE BCCs
These are most common. They start as round, hard, red or red-grey pearly bumps, which might continue to extend and ulcerate if left untreated. |
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PIGMENTED BCC
This is similar to the nodular BCC but it has areas of pigmentation (darker areas). and could be confused with melanoma, a more serious cancer. |
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SUPERFICIAL BCC
The superficial BCC occurs mainly on the trunk as a red patch, usually up to 3cm in diameter. The edge of these tumours can be difficult to distinguish. |
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MORPHOEIC BCC
This looks like a firm yellow-white scar-like area and is often mistaken for one. These BCCs are often bigger than they first appear to the naked eye and may require special treatment techniques (see Mohs' Surgery). |
Why You Need to Treat BCC's
Basal cell carcinoma is by far the most common form of skin cancer. Although they are rarely a threat to life, if left untreated they can grow, erode and destroy adjoining structures. Loss of whole organs, such as the nose, ear and eye, can occasionally occur. BCC's are more easily and successfully treated in their early stages. The larger a tumour the more extensive the treatment required.
SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA In Situ (Bowen's Disease)
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Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ
Bowen’s Disease is a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) which has not spread beyond the epidermis (first layer of skin). They type of skin cancer has no risk of spreading to other sites but can develop into an SCC if left untreated. They are usually red, scaly plaques and are quite common on lower legs and feet.
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Squamous Cell Carcinoma
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Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
The second most common form of skin cancer is the SCC. It may grow much faster than a BCC. SCC's may occasionally spread throughout the body (metastasize). SCCs usually form a scaly, quickly growing pink lump or wart-like growth, which may also break down, crust, bleed and ulcerate. They do not usually cause pain but may be tender, or cause a burning or stinging sensation. They most commonly occur on areas exposed to a lot of sunlight such as the face, ears, (bald) scalp, lips and backs of the hands.
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| People who have had organ transplants, or medications to suppress their immune system for other reasons, are at higher risk of developing SCCs. In transplant patients SCCs are also more likely to grow quickly and spread throughout the body. This makes regular skin checks and early treatment of skin cancers extremely important for people who have had transplants or have suppressed immune systems for other reasons. |
MALIGNANT MELANOMA
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Malignant Melanoma
Malignant melanomas are less common than BCCs and SCCs, but a much more dangerous skin cancer. Like SCCs and BCCs, melanomas can occur on exposed skin, but they also occur on skin that is generally covered, but which has been sunburnt in the past. Malignant melanomas may spread throughout the body and cause death. Melanomas either develop from an existing mole or appear as a new brown, red or black spot which changes and grows in size.
Visit our Moles and Melanoma page to learn more.
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OTHER TYPES OF SKIN CANCERS
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There are some other rare forms of skin cancer. Some skin cancers originate from the skins sweat or oil glands, the nerves and other components of the skin. Cancers starting in other parts of the body such as the breast, or lung can also spread to involve the skin causing lumps, bumps or sores.
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NEXT: The treatment of Skin Cancers
Acknowledgement
This information is based on a publication of the Australasian College of Dermatologists.
Last Modified 1 October, 2004 Dr John R Sullivan / © 2004 Australasian College of Dermatologists
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