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)
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.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
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.
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
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).
OTHER TYPES OF SKIN CANCERS
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) which can be diagnosed at our skin cancer clinic Gold Coast.
