Skin Cancer

Cancer and the Skin

Cancer overview

Cancer, a condition of abnormal cell growth, is the second most common cause of death in developed countries. Normal cell growth is a carefully regulated process. Cancer cells replicate in an uncontrolled manner, and can move from one part of the body to another.

For more information on cancer, see Cancer:Overview.

Anatomy of the skin

Human skin is considered to be the largest organ of the body. The surface area of the skin on an average adult is 1.8 m², and represents 16% of the total body weight. The thickness of the skin varies throughout the body.

For more information, see Anatomy of the Skin

Types of skin cancer

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, accounting for more than 75% of all skin malignancies. Its incidence is greater with increasing age and it is almost twice as common in males. Geographically, the basal cell carcinoma tumour is found worldwide, but with striking geographical variation.

For more information, see Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Skin.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer. It is more common in males and the ageing population.

For more information, see Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin.

Malignant skin melanoma

Melanomas are cancers of cells known as 'melanocytes' that are present in the skin. Sometimes, however, something can go wrong in a melanocyte. It becomes cancerous and grows very quickly, becoming bigger and bigger. The cancerous cells can eventually spread to other parts of the body where they can keep growing, causing damage to the surrounding structures.

For more information, see Malignant Skin Melanoma.

Tests for skin cancer

Skin biopsy

A skin biopsy is basically a very small sample of skin that is removed by a doctor so that it can be examined in a lab to determine what cells it is made up of. Skin lesions (lumps, bumps and other changes) are very common things for a person to present to their GP with. While many of these are harmless, they can be cosmetically displeasing and many have the potential (however unlikely) to develop into something more serious.

For more information, see Skin Biopsy.

Excision of a skin lesion

Removing a skin lesion (a lump, bump or discolouration), such as a skin cancer, is one of the most common clinical procedures that can be done in a GP clinic. The removal of a lesion is often the first and best treatment for many conditions, especially skin cancers, because if done correctly it not only completely gets rid of the problem but can also stop it from regrowing

For more information, see Excision of a Skin Lesion.

Skin cancer prevention

Skin checks

Coming into the summer months, it is a good idea to have your skin checked for any suspicious lesions that may lead to skin cancer.

For more information, see Skin Checks.

Protection against ultraviolet radiation

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation consists of high-energy rays which are invisible to the human eye, because they are outside of the colour spectrum which the human eye recognises (i.e. red, yellow, blue). Despite being invisible, UV rays can be very dangerous to the human body if over-exposure occurs. When UV rays come into contact with a human, they are absorbed by the cells of the skin.

For more information, see Preventing Cancer: Ultraviolet Radiation.

Video: Skin health

The biggest organ in the body is skin. How do we keep it looking good, young and healthy? Dr Joe Kosterich talks about the functions of skin and how to look after your skin.

Watch the video Skin Health.

Patient experience

My experience: Larry gives us the skinny on skin cancer

Life is hectic and checking for melanoma might not be top of your priorities at the moment, but after reading Larry's story, you might want to get your partner, a mate or a Mum to check out your birthday suit.

For more information see Melanoma: Larry gives us the skinny on skin cancer.