Types of cancer

Types of cancer – BCC or Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancers in Australia; it is also the least dangerous of all the skin cancers and nearly always curable. BCC is often found on the upper body, head and neck, and increases in frequency with UV exposure.

SCC or Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common after BCC. It occurs more commonly in people with lighter coloured skin and greater UV exposure. SCC differs from BCC in that it can invade and spread to other parts of the body.

Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer, also referred to as Malignant Melanoma, and some of the highest rates occur in Australia. This is the least common of all the skin cancers, but it is also the most dangerous, and if not detected early and treated, likely to spread to other parts of the body.

Lentigo Maligna Melanoma is a special type of pigmented skin cancer also known as ‘Hutchinson’s melanotic freckle’. It generally looks like a freckle, age or sun spot or brown patch and grows slowly, eventually transforming into melanoma. This generally effects people over the age of 60 and occurs on sun damaged skin on the neck and face.

Lentigo Maligna Melanoma shown under a womans lower eyelid. The area marked out with a blue skin pen is ready to be excised with Mohs surgery and reconstructed by Dr Anthony Maloof in Sydney. — Lentigo Maligna Melanoma

Call Dr Anthony Maloof’s office on 1300 393 322 for any queries.