Understanding Skin Cancer  – Not all skin cancers are melanomas

What causes skin cancer?

Family history – People with a family history of skin cancer and people with fair skin are most susceptible. Environment – Due to the reduction of ozone in the earth’s atmosphere, the level of dangerous UV light today is higher than it was 50 or 100 years ago. In New Zealand, the UV level is much higher than normal, even in spring due to the ozone hole in the southern hemisphere.

What is skin cancer?

In Skin cancer, cancer (malignant) cells are found in outer layers of skin. The top layer of skin – the epidermis, contains three kinds of cells: flat, scaly surface cells called squamous cells; round cells called basal cells and cells called melanocytes , which give skin its colour.

Basal cells and squamous cell cancers

These cancers are more common in people with light coloured skin who have spent a lot of time in sunlight. They are most common in areas exposed to sunlight. Skin cancer can appear as a growth or a sore that won’t heal or small lumps ( lumps can be smooth, shiny and waxy looking, red or reddish brown). Skin cancer may also appear as a flat red (rough or scaly) spot. Not all changes in skin are cancer but you should have them checked out to make sure. Squamous cell cancer can spread to other regions of the body if untreated.

Melanoma

Melanoma (sometimes called malignant melanoma) is a disease of the skin in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the melanocytes. Melanoma usually occurs in adults but in may occasionally be found in children and adolescents. Melanoma is a more serious type of cancer than the other skin cancers. It is best treated when it is found (diagnosed) early. Melanoma can spread quickly to other parts of the body through the lymph systems or through the blood. Melanoma can also appear as a new mole.