Skin cancers are the most common type of all cancers. New Zealand has one of the highest incidences of skin cancers, including malignant melanoma, in the world. Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty rank in the top three areas in New Zealand for the highest incidences of malignant melanomas. The incidence of melanoma is doubling every 10 years and it is estimated that one third of all melanomas develop in an existing mole.
Moles can kill. Early detection and treatment can save your life.
The most common types of skin cancers are:
- Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs)
- Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs)
- Malignant melanomas (MMs)
These skin cancers develop in the outermost protective cell layer of the skin (the epidermis) and if they are not treated they will enlarge, sometimes very quickly and destroy the normal skin. SCCs and especially MMs may also metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body.
Basal cell & squamous cell cancers can be either superficial and slow growing, or aggressive and grow very quickly. These skin cancers are more common in older sun-damaged skin.
Malignant melanomas are often aggressive and can metastasize quickly. However if detected at an early stage a malignant melanoma can be fully excised and any spread prevented. All malignant melanomas need to be removed as soon as suspected or detected.
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Causes
Sun exposure (UV light) is the major cause, especially for people with light-coloured skin, fair hair and blue eyes, and for people who work long hours outside. In Australasia we have one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world, probably related to the ozone hole which we have lived with for at least 50 years, as well as our outdoor life style.
Aging skin increases the risks of developing cancers.
Family history of melanoma is also thought to increase risk.
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Detection
You need a regular skin check with MoleMedic, or your GP or other qualified health professional. This is especially the case for anyone with many moles, and is also a good idea for people with sun-damaged skin from years of exposure to sunlight.
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Get advice
If you notice:
- Any skin sore which does not heal, repeatedly bleeds, or looks like an ulcer
- Any new, dark enlarging mole
- Any existing mole that changes in size, changes in colour, or has an irregular border
- If a mole becomes irritated
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Treatment
Cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen) or cautery can cure superficial BCCs and SCCs. This will usually be done by your GP or the practice nurse.
For deeper cancers, surgery is the recommended treatment. Surgery is offered by MoleMedic, or most GPs will do this at their rooms. This may include small skin grafts or 'flap surgery' to achieve good cosmetic results.
Any suspicious mole should be removed totally.
The specimen goes to the pathology laboratory for diagnosis and also to determine the depth of the cancer. This is important to determine the risk of spreading and if further treatment is required.
REMEMBER.... Moles can kill. Early detection and treatment can save your life.
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