Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is common and treatable, especially when found early. This page explains what skin cancer is, what to look for, and how it is diagnosed and treated. It also outlines when reconstruction may be recommended after skin cancer removal.

Skin cancer in Australia

More than 95% of skin cancers are caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.
Around 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer by the age of 70.

Find a Surgeon Procedures Cancer Council

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the skin, most often due to damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or other sources.

It can develop anywhere on the body, but is more common on areas that receive regular sun exposure, such as the face, scalp, ears, neck, arms, and hands. There are different types of skin cancer. Some grow slowly and are unlikely to spread, while others can grow more quickly or spread to other parts of the body. For this reason, early assessment of a new, changing, or unusual skin spot is important.

A diagnosis of skin cancer can be worrying, but many skin cancers are treated successfully. The right approach depends on the type of skin cancer, its location and size, and individual factors such as your general health and medical history. Your doctor will discuss your options with you and recommend a plan based on your specific situation.

Understanding common types of skin cancer

The most common are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which are sometimes grouped as non melanoma skin cancers. Melanoma is less common, but can be more serious.

If you notice a spot or lesion that is new, changing, or not healing, it is a good idea to see your GP or dermatologist for assessment.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) Melanoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) usually grows slowly and typically won’t spread to other parts of the body. They can appear as a new lump, a sore that does not heal, or a patch that may look shiny, pearly, or slightly scaly. BCC will damage nearby tissue if left untreated, so early assessment and treatment are still important.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can appear as a firm, scaly area, a thickened or crusted spot, or a sore that persists. SCC may grow more quickly than BCC and, in some cases, can spread to other parts of the body. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment help reduce this risk.

Melanoma develops from pigment producing cells in the skin. It may appear as a new mole or a change in an existing mole, particularly changes in size, shape, colour, or border. Because melanoma can spread, prompt medical assessment of suspicious or changing lesions is important. If melanoma is confirmed your surgeon may recommend a sentinel node biopsy which is a way of detecting early spread to the lymph nodes. If you notice a spot or lesion that is new, changing, or not healing, it is a good idea to see your GP or dermatologist for assessment.

Signs to look for

Skin cancer can look different from person to person. A helpful guide is to watch for any spot that is new, changing, or not healing.

Signs that may need assessment

A sore that does not heal within a few weeks
A spot that bleeds, crusts, scabs, or feels tender
A new lump or bump that grows over time
A rough or scaly patch that persists
A mole or freckle that changes in size, shape, colour, or border
A lesion that looks different from other spots on your skin

If you notice any of these changes, book an appointment with your GP or dermatologist for a skin check. If a lesion is concerning, you may be referred for further assessment and treatment.

Seeking advice early is important, particularly for lesions on the face, scalp, hands, or other areas where function and appearance may be affected.

How is skin cancer diagnosed?

Skin cancer is usually diagnosed through a clinical assessment of the skin. Your GP or dermatologist may examine the area closely and may use a handheld device called a dermatoscope, which helps them see skin structures in more detail.

If a lesion is suspicious, a biopsy may be recommended. A biopsy involves removing a small sample, or sometimes the whole lesion, so it can be examined under a microscope. This confirms the diagnosis and identifies the type of skin cancer.

The pathology result helps guide the next steps. Your doctor will discuss what the results mean and whether further treatment is recommended, based on the type of skin cancer, its location and size, and individual factors.