By: Dr Fritz Spruyt
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
What are the common skin cancers?
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
This is the most frequently diagnosed type of skin cancer. It is slow-growing and locally aggressive (does not typically spread) and the primary risk factor is sun exposure
Common Signs of a BCC:
- A pearly or pink rolled edges bump
- A flat, flesh-coloured, or pink scar-like lesion
- A sore that does not heal
Treatment Options for a BCC:
- Surgical Excision (Ideal treatment/ gold standard)
- Mohs Micrographic Surgery: Removing the BCC in layers and examining each layer microscopically in high-risk lesions (Ideal treatment/ gold standard)
- Topical Chemotherapy
- Radiation Therapy
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
SCC can develop in various parts of the body and treatment plans are personalized based on individual needs. Highly associated with radiation damage.
Common Signs of a SCC:
- Scaly, red patches
- A sore that does not heal
Treatment Options for a SCC:
- Surgical Excision (Ideal treatment/ gold standard)
- Mohs Micrographic Surgery: Removing the BCC in layers and examining each layer microscopically in high-risk lesions (Ideal treatment/ gold standard)
- Topical Chemotherapy (only very early lesions)
- Radiation Therapy
- Melanoma
A melanoma is one of the most serious forms of skin cancer and can spread. The primary risk factors are sun exposure and genetics.
Common Signs of a Melanoma:
- Irregularly shaped mole or spot (Flat/ Slightly raised)
- Raised lesion (Various colors)
- Flat lesion with irregular borders (Tan / Brown)
- Growth (Pale / Pink)
Treatment options for a Melanoma:
- Surgical Excision
- Mohs Micrographic Surgery – Staged
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation Therapy
When to seek help and the danger signs of moles/melanoma?
A – Asymmetry – parts of the mole differ
B – Border – irregular edges (not round or oval)
C – Colour – variation in colour in same mole
D – Diameter – bigger than 6mm
E – Evolving – changing in size, shape or colour
General danger signs of non-melanoma skin cancers:
- Enlarging mole/ skin lesions
- Bleeding
- Non-healing wounds
- Pink or raised growing lesions
How often do you need to see a Dermatologist?
- For the general population, it is suggested that they visit their Dermatologist once a year or every other year.
- People who have previously had skin cancers should follow up with their Dermatologist at least once a year.
- People who have previously had a melanoma or high-risk lesions (multiple previous skin cancers) should visit their Dermatologist every six months.
What can be done to help prevent skin cancers?
- Yearly Dermatologists consultations
- Sunscreen SPF 50 – 100 (Remember to re-apply after every 4 hours outside or after swimming)
- Wear protective clothing (Hat, long sleeves)
- Avoid sun exposure between 11
