Is it Melanoma or Skin Cancer? – Be Sunsafe

Is it a Melanoma? – How to spot dangerous skin cancer

Your skin may experience some changes due to old age, long-term exposure to the sun, or even exposure to some chemicals. Dr Michael Kernohan is a specialist plastic surgeon providing skin cancer removal treatments in Southwest Sydney and Southern Highlands NSW.

What is Melanoma or Skin Cancer?

Melanoma or skin cancer is a common type of cancer of the skin. It can appear anywhere on the body, although it most commonly appears on the face, the neck, and the back – the areas that are generally exposed to the sun the most. Like any other cancer, melanoma is an abnormal growth of cells that lack the mechanism for controlled growth. If detected early enough, the early-stage melanoma survival rate is around 99%.

Take the Quiz

Melanoma Risk Factors

There are several risk factors associated with melanoma:

• lighter skin colour or fair complexion
• previous sunburns (especially heavy sunburns)
• moles
• a history of skin cancer,
• exposure to certain chemicals (arsenic)
• radiation exposure
• excessive exposure to the sun, such as is found in agricultural workers, lifesavers or people working outside, in direct sunlight

If you fall in any of the categories, you may want to check your skin every three months for any changes. Changes that you should look for include the appearance of new moles, development in old moles, any localised pigmentation or changes in the skin texture. Not every change is melanoma, especially not a malignant melanoma, but the nature of the changes can only properly be addressed by a specialised plastic surgeon.

How to Identify Melanoma or Skin Cancer

If you have noticed any changes in the colour, shape or pigmentation of your moles, you should consult a specialist to examine the changes. If you see any new localised pigmentation of the skin, unexplainable swelling or changes which ooze, are itchy, sore or reddish in appearance, you should also consult a specialist. Your specialised plastic surgeon will be able to assess these changes and suggest proper treatment if needed. Dr Michael Kernohan will also be able to carry out the procedure of removal of these changes and provide adequate aftercare advice for your highest comfort.

Types of Melanoma

There are several types of melanoma. You should understand that not every skin cancer is melanoma, as there are different types of cancers depending on the tissue they appear on. There are:

• Squamous Cell Carcinomas
• Basal Cell Carcinomas
• Melanomas

Melanoma can be life-threatening if not detected early enough and properly taken care of. They can be:

• Superficial Spreading Melanoma – this is a melanoma that starts in the upper layers of the skin. It penetrates deeper only at later stages;
• Nodular Melanoma – the first nodular melanoma symptom is a nodule under the skin that is hard to touch. It grows quickly (the aggressive skin cancer melanoma);
• Lentigo Maligna Melanoma – common in the elderly with heavily sun-damaged skin;
• Acral Lentiginous Melanoma – a rare form of melanoma that appears on the palm and the soles. It can also be found under fingernails and toenails;
• Amelanotic Melanoma – a type of melanoma that is difficult to diagnose. This cancer cell do not have any pigment.

Dangers of Melanoma

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. If left untreated, it can spread to the surrounding tissues, which significantly complicates the procedure and reduces the chances of positive long-term outcomes. In some cases, once cancer has spread, it can be more difficult to treat. This is known as metastatic melanoma.

Skin cancers, melanoma included, are easily taken care of if they are detected early enough.  The early-stage melanoma survival rate is around 99%. Good skincare routine, continuous use of SPF with a sun protection factor of 30+ and above, and regular skin checks are the best measures that any adult should practice regularly.

Identifying Melanoma vs. Moles – How to tell the difference

To easily distinguish between a melanoma and a mole, you should follow the ABCDE rule:

• A – Asymmetry. Most melanomas are asymmetrical. The two halves do not match, whichever way you may look;
• B – Border. Borders of melanoma are not clear lines; they may look uneven, blurry or distorted;
• C – Color. Moles are of one colour. Melanomas may display a colour variety across their surface, which can range anywhere between white, over red, to almost completely black;
• D – Diameter/ Darkness. They grow, so if you notice a growing mole, you should head to your doctor. Any change more than 6mm in diameter has to be checked by the doctor. Melanomas are usually darker than the surrounding tissue.
• E – Evolving. Any change in shape, size or perceived depth can be an indicator of melanoma.

Melanoma Treatment and Surgical Removal Options

There are several skin cancer or melanoma removal procedures. Your seasoned plastic surgeon, Dr Michael Kernohan, will be able to properly assess your case and give advice on which approach may be the best in your case. The surgical procedures and non-surgical procedures that may be used during melanoma removal are:

• Surgical Excision – the specialised plastic surgeon will surgically remove the skin lesion. This is done under local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia if the lesion covers a large area of the skin;
• Cryosurgery (freezing) – liquid nitrogen is applied to the lesion, killing the cancer cells;
• Mohs Surgery – thin layers of tumour and surrounding skin are removed. The procedure is repeated until healthy tissue is reached. This surgical procedure is most commonly used on the face;
• Radiation Therapy – usually accompanies another procedure and is used to kill any remaining cancer cells;
• Chemotherapy – applied locally or generally, this therapy slows down the growth of skin cancer cells, giving your immune system more time to fight them off;
• PTD (PhoToDynamic) Therapy – uses a combination of drugs and a laser to kill cancer cells;
• Biological Therapy – drugs that stimulate your body’s immune system to attack cancer cells.

Melanoma FAQs – Questions & Answers about melanoma or Skin Cancer

Further Reading about Melanoma

• Skin Cancer / Melanoma Center: Signs, Treatments, Symptoms, Types, Causes, and Tests
• Video Melanoma Check
• Melanoma – Symptoms and causes
• Mayo Clinic: Melanoma Pictures