Our skin is the largest organ of our body and with Australia having the highest incidence of skin cancers in the world, it is highly recommended to have routine skin checks. For a complete skin check Sunshine coast, you may visit the Sundoctors.
When our skin cells are damaged, from UV radiation, skin cancer may occur in one of three main types –
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Melanoma
It is estimated that out of 3, two Australians will be diagnosed with the type of skin cancer before the age of 70. Making sure that you check your skin and book in for skin check with one of the doctors is the key for diagnosis. If skin cancer is suspected then the doctor may perform biopsy or referral can be sent to a specialist. The treatment of skin cancer can be completed by the doctors through various methods depending on a large number of factors. Surgical removal is the most common, cryotherapy, curettage and cautery can also be used to remove skin cancer.
How To Check If I Have Skin Cancer?
It is the doctor’s job to diagnose skin cancer but you will know better than anyone else if something on your skin is changing, abnormal or new, sore.
Scan Your Skin
Look for a spot or more that is
Sore – itchy, scaly, bleeding, tender and does not heal within 6 weeks.
Changing – changing in shape, size and colour or texture
Abnormal – looks and feels different coma stands out when compared to other sports and moles
New – has appeared on your skin recently. If you are over 40, any new moles or spots should be checked.
The more above features a mole or spot has, the more it may be concerning. Get it checked by a doctor. New Zealand and Australia have the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.
Skin cancer occurs if skin cells are damaged as a result of sunburn. About half of the Australians will get at least one skin cancer throughout their lifetime. A regular skin check helps detect skin cancer early. Dermatologists diagnose skin cancers earlier and accurately, reducing unnecessary costs and scarring from unnecessary treatments.
Skin Cancer Treatments
There are many treatments for skin cancer. Dermatologists have specialist experience with all medically recognised forms of skin cancer treatment. They provide advice about which treatment option best suits dependent on for example –
- What type of skin cancer you are having.
- Where on the body the skin cancer is located
- What you expect in terms of scarring and cure.
Finding And Treating Skin Cancer Early
Earlier a skin cancer is identified and treated, the better you have a chance of avoiding surgery or in the case of a serious melanoma or other skin cancer potential disfigurement or even death.
You have to keep a regular eye on your own skin so that you pick up any changes that might suggest a skin cancer. Look for –
- Any Crusty, non-healing sores
- Any spot that bleeds continuously when irritated or knocked, for longer than a few weeks
- New spots, freckles or any moles changing in thickness, colour or shape over a period of weeks to months.
Any spot that shows changes particularly if it doesn’t look like any other spot on your body, it should be brought to the attention of a doctor.
