Ellipse Skin Cancer Clinic
Dr Russell Garnett
a state of the art facility right here in cairns
Ellipse Skin Cancer Clinic
Dr Russell Garnett
a state of the art facility right here in cairns
Important information about Skin Cancer
We understand that people are at different stages of concern about their skin, so while you think about when you'll get your next skin check with Ellipse, we thought it best to give you some information about skin types in general. This information isn't intended to be used in diagnosis of skin cancer, but more for a general introduction to skin cancers.
Types:
There are three main types of skin cancers and can be found anywhere on your body. While direct exposure to sun is the most common reason, skin cancers can be found in typically 'shady' spots on your body. Take extra care to make sure you don't dismiss concerns about your skin purely because they are normally covered up.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
The most common type of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is often caused by frequent sun exposure. It generally occurs on regions of the body that endure the highest levels of exposure (head and neck, face, shoulder, to name a few) and especially affects people with fair skin, light hair, and lighter-coloured eyes. A shiny, reddish, dry area of skin may indicate the presence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) developing from these flat cells. Other signs of BCC Basal cell carcinoma can include a small lump, an open sore, or a growth with an elevated border. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is often completely asymptomatic.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Accounting for roughly 30% of non-melanoma skin cancers, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) begins in the upper layer of the epidermis. It, too, is often found in chronic sun-exposed areas like the head and neck and is more likely to occur in people with fairer complexions. However, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can also occur where there are pre-existing burns or other inflammatory conditions. These skin cancers tend to grow from abnormal cells quite quickly and symptoms of their presence include rapidly growing skin lesions like a lump, scaly red spots, open sores, and tenderness when touched.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
The most common type of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is often caused by frequent sun exposure. It generally occurs on regions of the body that endure the highest levels of exposure (head and neck, face, shoulder, to name a few) and especially affects people with fair skin, light hair, and lighter-coloured eyes. A shiny, reddish, dry area of skin may indicate the presence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) developing from these flat cells. Other signs of BCC Basal cell carcinoma can include a small lump, an open sore, or a growth with an elevated border. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is often completely asymptomatic.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Accounting for roughly 30% of non-melanoma skin cancers, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) begins in the upper layer of the epidermis. It, too, is often found in chronic sun-exposed areas like the head and neck and is more likely to occur in people with fairer complexions. However, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can also occur where there are pre-existing burns or other inflammatory conditions. These skin cancers tend to grow from abnormal cells quite quickly and symptoms of their presence include rapidly growing skin lesions like a lump, scaly red spots, open sores, and tenderness when touched.
Melanoma
Melanoma skin cancer is also most likely to occur on parts of the body that have endured overexposure to the sun. However, it may also be found in parts of the body that are rarely or never exposed to the sun.
For women, melanomas most frequently occur on the legs, though for men, they are most often found on the back.
Though melanoma may not have any obvious symptoms, initial signs common to melanoma skin cancer include the appearance of a new spot or a change in the appearance of an existing mole, including:
- an increase in the mole’s size,
- a change in colour or colours,
- or a shift in the mole’s shape and elevation.
One major risk of this type of cancer is that it can spread to other parts of the body. If you are diagnosed with melanoma and it has spread to other parts of the body, some of the symptoms include:
- hardened lumps under your skin,
- swollen or painful lymph nodes,
- trouble breathing, or a cough that doesn’t go away,
- swelling of your liver (under your lower right ribs),
- or loss of appetite,
- bone pain or,
- less often, broken bones.
Melanoma
Melanoma skin cancer is also most likely to occur on parts of the body that have endured overexposure to the sun. However, it may also be found in parts of the body that are rarely or never exposed to the sun.
For women, melanomas most frequently occur on the legs, though for men, they are most often found on the back.
Though melanoma may not have any obvious symptoms, initial signs common to melanoma skin cancer include the appearance of a new spot or a change in the appearance of an existing mole, including:
- an increase in the mole’s size,
- a change in colour or colours,
- or a shift in the mole’s shape and elevation.
One major risk of this type of cancer is that it can spread to other parts of the body. If you are diagnosed with melanoma and it has spread to other parts of the body, some of the symptoms include:
- hardened lumps under your skin,
- swollen or painful lymph nodes,
- trouble breathing, or a cough that doesn’t go away,
- swelling of your liver (under your lower right ribs),
- or loss of appetite,
- bone pain or,
- less often, broken bones.
Note:
It is very important that you see a doctor as soon as possible if you think you are at risk of skin cancer or have skin cancer cells that have spread to other parts of your body or your lymph nodes. Besides these three main types, there is also another form of skin cancer known as Merkel cell carcinoma. This form of skin cancer is a rare type of skin cancer that usually appears as a flesh-coloured or bluish-red nodule, often on your face, head, or neck. Merkel cell carcinoma is also called neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. Merkel cell carcinoma most often develops in older people.
So what's next?
Well, if you've read this far you've probably got some concerns about skin cancer. This could be your own, or for someone close to you. We can't stress enough how important time plays in your decision to get more information, so please make an appointment to come see us today. We've made it really convenient, just click on this green button.
CUSTOM JAVASCRIPT / HTML
QR Code for Ellipse Skin Cancer Clinic Contact Details
To acquire the details, simple open the camera app on any smart phone and focus on the Image. A prompt "Add Russell Garnett to Contacts" will appear, and once you accept, will save all our information directly onto your phone.
Alternatively, you can simply give us a call on 07 4281 6669 during office hours.
QR Code for Ellipse Skin Cancer Clinic Contact Details
To acquire the details, simple tap on the Image above. A prompt "Add Russell Garnett to Contacts" will appear, and once you accept, will save all our information directly onto your phone.
Alternatively, you can simply give us a call on 07 4281 6669 during office hours.
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2021 Ellipse Skin Cancer Clinic. All Rights Reserved.