Sun protection - Detection and diagnosis

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Unlike many other forms of cancer, skin cancer is often visible, which makes it easier to detect in the early stages. Early detection is crucial if skin cancer is to be cured.

Tumour thickness is the most important factor in survival after a melanoma diagnosis.

Melanoma has a poor prognosis if the tumour is diagnosed at an advanced stage, underscoring the need for early detection.

There is some evidence that promotion of early detection of melanoma has resulted in thinner tumours being diagnosed and an increase in survival rates.

Skin cancers may appear as a changed skin growth: in colour, shape or texture, or an open skin wound that won’t heal. Common skin cancers may look like red, brown, black or bluish patches, sores, spots, ulcers or lumps. Melanoma may appear as an existing mole that has changed, a dark-colored spot with rough edges or a small collection of dark bumps.

The most common sites for melanoma are the lower legs for women and the upper back for men. Basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas are usually found on areas often exposed to the sun. But skin cancer can also occur in abnormal places like underneath fingernails and toenails, on the palms of your hands and on the soles of your feet.

All adults – particularly men aged 50 and over – should check their skin for changes at least every six months. Use a hand-held mirror to check the skin on your back and the back of your neck or ask someone else to have a look for you. Don’t forget to check underneath your armpits, your inner legs, ears, eyelids, hands and feet. Use a comb to move sections of hair aside and inspect your scalp.

Skin cancer is rarely painful. If you notice anything unusual on your skin that does not go away within a couple of weeks you should visit your doctor.

Skin cancers don't all look the same. Signs to look for include:
A new spot different from nearby spots on the skin
A sore that does not heal
A spot, mole or freckle that has changed in size, shape or colour

Let author Kathy Lette show you how looking for skin cancers can be more fun with a friend Strip, Search and Save [pdf]

Watch the Video

Who will I see?
Your doctor will examine you, and may refer you to a specialist if cancer is suspected. Medical staff who care for people with skin cancers include: dermatologists, who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders; surgeons, who specialise in surgery; radiation oncologists, who specialise in radiotherapy. You may see other health professionals, depending on the type of treatment you need.

How skin cancer is diagnosed
Skin cancer is diagnosed by physical examination and biopsy. Your doctor will first examine the suspicious spot and check other parts of your skin. A special magnifying instrument (dermatoscope) may be used on suspicious spots.

Biopsy
If your doctor suspects you have a skin cancer, to confirm it, they will suggest you have a biopsy. This is a quick and simple procedure. It may be done by your family doctor, or you may be referred to a dermatologist or surgeon.

You will have a local anaesthetic. The doctor will use a scalpel to remove either part or all of the area and some surrounding tissue. You may have a stitch or stitches to help the wound to heal.

The tissue that is removed is sent to a laboratory to be looked at under a microscope. It may take about a week for the results of your tests to be ready, and a follow-up appointment may be arranged for you. This waiting period can be an anxious time and it may help to talk things over with a close friend or relative or your doctor.

For more information call The Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20

 
Disclaimer
www.cancertas.org.au last updated 3 July 2008