Melanoma

Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australia.

The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma. These cancers are named for the type of skin cell from which they arise – basal cells, squamous cells or melanocytes.

Most are small and easily treatable with simple excision. Some of these cancers may present at an advanced stage and require more extensive surgery, as well as other forms of treatment including radiotherapy and immunotherapy.

About Melanoma

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from melanocytes, which are the cells in the skin that produce pigment. It is a rare but serious form of skin cancer because it has the potential to recur or spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, or brain, if not caught and treated early. Melanoma can appear as a new mole or as changes to an existing mole, and it can occur anywhere on the body, even in areas not exposed to the sun. Risk factors for melanoma include a history of sunburns, a family history of melanoma, fair skin, a large number of moles, and a weakened immune system. If melanomas are detected and treated early, surgery is often enough to cure the cancer.