Early Detection and Effective Melanoma Skin Cancer Treatment in Sydney

/in , /by

Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, is a serious health concern that, if detected early, can be effectively treated. In Australia, with its high rates of UV exposure, it’s crucial to understand the risks and to know how to identify potential signs of melanoma. This blog post will delve into the importance of early detection, explore various melanoma skin cancer treatment options, and emphasise the crucial role of dermatologists in managing melanoma.

Let’s explore how you can take proactive steps to protect your skin health and seek professional care for melanoma.

Why Early Detection Is Crucial

Early detection of melanoma can be lifesaving. When melanoma is caught early, the chances of successful treatment are significantly higher.

  • High Cure Rates: Early-stage melanoma has a high cure rate. When detected and treated at an early stage, the five-year survival rate is about 99%.
  • Simple Treatments: Early detection often means less invasive treatments, which can lead to quicker recovery times and fewer complications.
  • Prevention of Spread: Catching melanoma early can prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body, where it becomes more challenging to treat.

Encouraging Regular Skin Checks

Skin checks are essential, especially for those with prolonged sun exposure or history of skin cancer.

  • Monthly Self-Exams: Conduct monthly self-exams to monitor any changes in your skin. Look for new moles, changes in existing moles, or any unusual skin growths.
  • Annual Dermatologist Visits: Schedule annual visits to a dermatologist for a professional skin check. Sydney-based dermatologists have the expertise to identify suspicious lesions that may not be apparent to the untrained eye.
  • Immediate Attention to Changes: If you notice any changes in your skin, such as a mole that changes in size, shape, or colour, seek medical advice immediately.

Melanoma Skin Cancer Treatment Options

There are various treatment options available for melanoma, depending on the stage and location of the cancer. Dermatology clinics in Sydney offer advanced treatments tailored to individual needs. These are some of the primary treatment options:

Surgery

Surgery is often the first line of treatment for early-stage melanoma. The goal is to remove the melanoma along with some surrounding healthy tissue to ensure all cancer cells are eradicated. Types of surgery include:

  • Wide Excision: This involves removing the melanoma and a margin of healthy skin around it. It’s typically performed under local anaesthesia.
  • Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: If your dermatologist suspects there is a risk that melanoma has spread to the lymph nodes, a sentinel lymph node biopsy may be performed to check for cancer cells.

Immunotherapy

This treatment boosts the immune system’s ability to combat cancer. Sydney-based dermatologists recommend it for advanced melanoma or when the cancer has spread. Types of immunotherapy include:

  • Checkpoint Inhibitors: These drugs aid the immune system’s ability to recognise and attack melanoma cells. Examples of checkpoint inhibitors include pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and nivolumab (Opdivo).
  • Cytokines: These are proteins that enhance the immune response. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is an immunotherapy option to treat advanced and metastatic melanoma.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy involves using drugs that specifically target melanoma cells without affecting normal cells. This approach is particularly effective for melanomas with specific genetic mutations. Types of targeted therapy include:

  • BRAF Inhibitors: These drugs target the BRAF gene mutation found in about half of all melanomas. Vemurafenib (Zelboraf) and dabrafenib (Tafinlar) are common examples.
  • MEK Inhibitors: Often used in combination with BRAF inhibitors, MEK inhibitors target another protein involved in melanoma growth. Examples include trametinib (Mekinist) and cobimetinib (Cotellic).

Radiation Therapy

This therapy targets cancer cells, ultimately killing them with high-energy radiation. It is often used when surgery is not an option or to relieve symptoms in advanced melanoma cases.

This melanoma skin cancer treatment option is not usually used to treat the original melanoma in the skin but can be used to relieve symptoms caused by spread of the melanoma, especially to the brain or bones. Radiation therapy may also be used to treat melanoma that has come back or to kill any cancer cells remaining after surgery.

Look Out for the Early Signs of Melanoma

It merits repeating that early detection is crucial in the successful treatment of melanoma. When caught in its early stages, melanoma is highly treatable, and the chances of a full recovery are significantly increased. Regular self-examinations and professional skin checks are essential for identifying any suspicious moles or lesions.

Here are a few important things to keep in mind:

  • If one half of the mole doesn’t match the other, this may be a cause for concern and should be checked by licensed dermatologists.
  • Consult with a Sydney-based dermatologist if you spot moles with ragged, notched, or blurred edges.
  • Another early sign of melanoma to be wary of are moles with varying shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue.
  • Inspect any mole on the skin if it is larger than 6 millimetres or about the size of a pencil eraser.
  • If the mole exhibits noticeable change in size, shape or colour, let a dermatologist examine it as soon as possible.

Signs of Melanoma

Taking Proactive Steps

Even if you do not have visible symptoms of melanoma, take proactive steps to protect and monitor your skin health.

  • Sun Protection: Australia experiences high levels of UVR, so always use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and wear protective clothing when going out. Avoid peak sun hours.
  • Avoid Tanning Beds: Tanning beds can increase the risk of melanoma and should be avoided.
  • Educate Yourself: Learn about the signs of melanoma and stay informed about the latest advancements in skin cancer treatment.

Turn to Dermatologists for Melanoma Treatment in Sydney

Upon diagnosis, dermatologists will recommend the suitable treatment option. Here’s why seeking professional care from these experts is beneficial:

  • Advanced Technology: Sydney-based clinics are equipped with the latest technology for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
  • Experienced Specialists: Dermatologists in Sydney have extensive experience in treating melanoma and are well-versed in the latest treatment protocols.
  • Comprehensive Care: These clinics offer a multidisciplinary approach, involving oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists to provide comprehensive care for melanoma patients.

skin check up

Schedule a Skin Check Today

Melanoma is a serious but treatable condition when detected early. By understanding the risk factors, knowing the signs of melanoma, and scheduling regular skin checks, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing this type of skin cancer.

If you notice any changes in your skin, don’t hesitate to consult one of our dermatologists here at Pymble Dermatology.

An Overview of Basal Cell Carcinoma

/in /by

Australia’s vibrant sunshine is a national treasure. But with all that sunshine comes a responsibility to protect our skin, especially since Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common type of skin cancer, is a concern that can’t be ignored.

The good news is that basal skin cancer is highly treatable when detected early. This post seeks to empower readers with knowledge about this skin condition, helping identify potential risks and prioritise skin health.

Quick Facts on Basal Cells

Basal cells are among the main types of cells found in the deepest layer of the epidermis, the outermost part of the skin. These small, round cells have a high nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio and are responsible for the regeneration and renewal of the skin. They produce new skin cells, pushing older cells toward the skin’s surface (where the old cells die and are sloughed off).

How Does Basal Skin Cancer Develop?

Basal cells make new cells by copying and replicating themselves to replace the ones that reach the end of their lifespan. They’re able to do this through your genes, which give DNA instructions to produce new cells. If a mutation affects one of these genes, the DNA in your body won’t have the instructions to make new cells as it should.

Basal cell carcinoma usually develops when there is a change to one’s DNA, which happens after the skin has too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight or tanning beds. BCC may also appear in childhood through a rare inherited condition called basal cell nevus or Gorlin’s syndrome.

Four Types of Basal Carcinoma

There are different types of BCC, which are the following:

⦁ Nodular: It is the most common type of BCC. It looks like a round pimple with visible blood vessels (telangiectasias or commonly known as spider veins) surrounding it.
⦁ Superficial: This type of BCC causes lesions that appear as small, shallow marks on the skin that are slightly lighter in colour than the surrounding skin. The lesions usually form on the torso, arms and legs.
⦁ Morpheaform or sclerosing: This BCC are cancerous lesions that look like scars slowly expanding over time. They are commonly found on the face and can take the form of a small red dot on the skin.
⦁ Pigmented: This is a rare type of BCC. Pigmented basal carcinoma causes hyperpigmentation (an area of the skin becomes darker than the skin surrounding it).

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) treatment varies based on how much cancer is in the body. We’ll talk more about the different treatment options for this carcinoma in the succeeding sections.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

How Serious Is Basal Skin Cancer?

Basal skin cancer accounts for about 70% of non-melanoma skin cancers in Australia (as reported by the Cancer Council). It tends to grow slowly and is not life-threatening for most people. While it seldom spreads to another part of the body, it can still grow wide and deep over time, which is why treatment is important.

If left untreated, this carcinoma can become locally invasive, spreading deeply into the skin, wrapping around nerves and blood vessels and invading muscles and bones. When it grows deep, it can be disfiguring. For some people, it changes the way they look.

Some highly unusual, aggressive BCC cases occur when the cancer spreads to other parts of the body. Early detection is thus crucial since untreated BCC can be dangerous.

Who Is at High Risk of Basal Cell Carcinoma?

People of all skin tones can develop basal skin cancer. Knowing the risk factors can help you catch it early or avoid it entirely. The following factors can increase the risk of basal skin cancer:

⦁ Chronic UV exposure: The main causes of skin damage that can lead to BCCs include cumulative sun exposure and occasional extended, intense sun exposure that leads to sunburn. Most BCCs occur on parts of the body exposed to the sun.
⦁ Exposure to chemicals like arsenic: Arsenic is a toxic metal found widely in the environment. It increases the risk of basal and squamous cell carcinomas and other cancers. While everyone has some arsenic exposure because it occurs naturally, some people may have higher exposure if they drink contaminated well water or have a job that involves handling arsenic.
⦁ Fair skin: People who freckle or burn easily or who have very light skin, red or blond hair, or light-coloured eyes are at higher risk of basal cell skin cancer.
⦁ Family or personal history: Those who have a family history of skin cancer may have an increased risk of developing this type of carcinoma. If you’ve had it one or more times, you are likely to get it again.
⦁ Immune-suppressing drugs: Medications that suppress the immune system, such as anti-rejection drugs used after transplant surgery, significantly increases one’s risk of skin cancer.
⦁ Increasing age: Basal skin cancer often takes decades to develop. Most cases of BCC occur in older people, but it is also becoming more common in younger adults.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of BCC?

This carcinoma appears as a change in the skin, such as a growth or a sore that won’t heal. It usually has one of the following characteristics:

⦁ A shiny bump. It’s translucent (you can see a bit through the surface). It can look pearly white or pink on white skin, brown or glossy black on brown and black skin.
⦁ A lesion with dark spots. It may be a brown, black or blue lesion with a slightly raised, translucent border.
⦁ A white, waxy, scar-like lesion. It appears without a clearly defined border.
⦁ A flat, scaly patch. It has a raised edge. Over time, it can grow quite large.

close up of asian woman with acne problem on her face

IMPORTANT: Anything that is growing, bleeding, or changing in any way on your skin should be checked by a board-certified dermatologist.

What Are the Treatments for BCC?

Several effective treatments can be performed on an outpatient basis if small or early BCC is detected. Treatment options are as follows:

⦁ Cryosurgery
⦁ Electrosurgery (Curettage + electrodesiccation)
⦁ Excision
⦁ Laser surgery
⦁ Medications for advanced BCC
⦁ Mohs surgery
⦁ Photodynamic therapy
⦁ Radiation therapy
⦁ Topical medications

Schedule a Full Skin Examination at Pymble Dermatology

Adopt sun-safe practices to protect your skin and reduce your risk of getting basal cell carcinoma. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, seek shade during peak sun hours, and schedule regular skin checks with your dermatologist.
Book an appointment with one of our dermatologists for comprehensive skin cancer screening if you notice any concerning changes on your skin.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Overview

/in , /by

The glorious sunshine in the Land Down Under is a double-edged sword. While it beckons us outdoors, excessive sun exposure can have lasting consequences for the skin. One such concern is squamous cell carcinoma or SCC, a type of cancer that can pose significant health risks if left undetected.

But there’s nothing to fear! Early detection and treatment are crucial to successfully managing SCC. This post sheds light on this condition, empowering you with the knowledge to protect your skin and prioritise your health.

Quick Facts on Squamous Cells

Squamous cells are one of three main types of cells in the skin’s top layer (epidermis). These flat cells are located near the surface of the skin that shed continuously as new ones form, the passages of the respiratory and digestive tracts, and the lining of hollow organs such as the bladder, kidney and uterus. These cells look like fish scales under a microscope.

skin cancer - Squamous Cell Carcinoma

How Does Squamous Cell Carcinoma Develop?

Squamous cells, like other cells in the body, have a self-healing capacity to detect and repair damage. SCC usually begins when ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or tanning beds badly damages the skin. When the body can no longer repair all the cell damage from excessive UV exposure, mutations then develop in the form of cancer cells.

Usually, this squamous skin cancer forms on areas of the skin that receive the most sun exposure like the head, arms and legs. It can also form in areas of the body with mucous membranes, which are the inner lining of the organs and body cavities like the mouth, lungs and anus.

Two Types of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

There are different types of SCC based on where and how much cancer is in the body:

⦁ Cutaneous: If the cancer only affects the top layer of the skin (in situ) or spreads beyond the top layer of the skin, it is classified as cutaneous.

⦁ Metastatic: This develops if the cancer spreads to other parts of the body beyond the skin.

How Serious Is Squamous Skin Cancer?

Squamous skin cancer is the second most common form of skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma. It is usually not life-threatening as it tends to grow slowly in most patients. However, it can grow deep, causing injuries to nerves, blood vessels, and anything else in its path.

Once this skin cancer grows deep and spreads to other parts of the body, it can be deadly, and treatment becomes difficult. In patients with a compromised immune system, this skin cancer can grow more quickly and be more aggressive. Early detection can prevent this cancer from growing deep into the skin.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Develop

Who Is at High Risk of Squamous Cell Carcinoma SCC?

Squamous skin cancer can develop in people of all skin tones. While people over the age of 50 are most likely to get it, SCC cases in younger people have also been rising. People assigned male at birth are also twice more likely to develop this skin cancer.

The following individuals are more at risk of SCC:
⦁ Those with sun damage to their skin at a young age or those with long-term sun exposure
⦁ Those aged 65 years or older
⦁ Those who have a pale complexion, blonde or red hair, blue or green eyes
⦁ Those who received an organ transplant
⦁ Those with a weak immune system
⦁ Those who had prolonged chemical exposure (e.g., arsenic and benzene from cigarettes)

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of SCC?

Squamous cell carcinoma often manifests as noticeable skin changes. As it develops in the body, cancerous bumps, marks or lesions form on the skin. Below are the most common signs and symptoms of this skin cancer:

⦁ A rough-feeling bump or growth that crusts over like a scab and bleeds
⦁ A noticeable growth that’s much higher than the skin but sinks down in the middle
⦁ A sore that heals and then comes back
⦁ A wound that won’t heal
⦁ An area of skin that’s larger (around 2.5 cm), flat, scaly and red
⦁ A bump or lump that has a different colour from the skin around it and feels dry, itchy, or scaly
⦁ A lesion on the lower lip where the tissue becomes pale, dry and cracked, and may have a burning sensation when exposed to the sun
⦁ White or pale spots in the mouth, on the tongue, gums or cheeks

IMPORTANT: If you see anything on your skin that is growing, bleeding, or changing in any way, see a dermatologist for a skin exam.

What Are the Treatments for Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Squamous skin cancer is highly treatable when found early. It is treated by removing the cancer from the body. Treatment options vary based on the size, shape and location of the cancer.

⦁ Cryosurgery: This treatment involves freezing the cancer cells to destroy them.
⦁ Photodynamic Therapy: This treatment option uses blue light and light-sensitive agents to remove cancer from the skin.
⦁ Mohs Surgery: This surgery removes the layers of skin affected by cancer. It is the most common for facial cancers.
⦁ Curettage and electrodesiccation: This uses a spoon-like instrument called curette to scratch off the cancerous lump. The scratched-off area is then burned with an electric needle.
⦁ Excision: This treatment option cuts the cancer out of the skin and then stitches the skin back together.
⦁ Systemic Chemotherapy: This involves powerful medicines to destroy cancer cells in the body.

As mentioned previously, treatment for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) becomes difficult when it has grown deep into the skin. Detecting this cancer early can prevent it from growing and spreading to other parts of the body. This is why it’s imperative to see a board-certified dermatologist for a skin exam the moment you notice any visible changes on your skin.

Book an Appointment with Us for a Skin Exam!

Understanding the risks and taking preventative measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing squamous cell carcinoma.
Don’t delay seeking professional advice if you notice any concerning changes on your skin. Schedule an appointment with one of our dermatologists for a full skin examination.

The Importance of a Regular Skin Cancer Check in Sydney

/in , /by

Skin cancer is caused by abnormal skin cell growth. It’s one of the most common cancers. Although it’s impossible to prevent all incidents of skin cancer, the good news is that regular skin checks can reduce your likelihood of developing incurable skin cancer. If you’re based in Sydney, here’s everything you need to know about the disease and the importance of skin cancer checks.

Skin Cancer in Australia Statistics

Skin cancer is a major problem in Australia, and the country has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. The reality is that at least 2 in 3 Australians will develop skin cancer before they’re 70 years old, and diagnosis rates are still rising in the 60+ demographic. It’s the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the country, and the cost of treating it sits at around A$1 billion per year.

What Causes Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is common in Australia because of the climate. In the Australian summer, skin can burn in as little as 10 minutes, and sunburn is a primary risk factor for developing melanoma skin cancer. You’re at higher risk of developing skin cancer anywhere in Australia, including Sydney, if you:

  • Use sunbeds or a solarium
  • Have a large number of freckles or moles
  • Have a family history of skin cancer
  • Burn easily or have skin that doesn’t tan
  • Have blue/green eyes and/or light skin
  • Work in the sun
  • Suffered sunburn in the past, however mild

Although it’s fun to visit the beach and enjoy the hot sunshine, there’s no such thing as a “safe” tan. Even if you don’t burn, you’re still causing damage to your skin.

Types of Skin Cancer

The top layer of your skin is known as the epidermis. There are three layers within the epidermis, and each part can be affected by cancer. The three skin cancer types are:

Basal Cell Carcinoma

This is the most common type of skin cancer. It spreads slowly, meaning it’s usually treatable if it’s diagnosed quickly.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This type of skin cancer typically appears on skin most often exposed to the sun, and it spreads quicker than basal cell carcinoma, usually over weeks or months.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, but luckily, it’s also the rarest, accounting for around 2% of skin cancer cases. This cancer usually presents as a mole or freckle that’s changed in texture, size, colour, or shape. It’s harder to treat because it spreads more quickly to other parts of the body than squamous or basal cell carcinoma.

Symptoms

Although the symptoms of skin cancer vary widely, you should visit a doctor or dermatologist if you experience any of the following:

  • A bleeding spot, or a sore that doesn’t heal
  • A patch of skin that looks different from the skin around it
  • A mole or freckle that changes in appearance, texture, or size

It’s best if you’re familiar with how your skin normally looks so you can spot changes early. That’s where skin cancer checks come in. Here’s what you should know about them.

Why Regular Skin Cancer Checks are Important

Skin cancer checks are important because over 95% of skin cancers are treatable if they’re discovered early enough. What’s more, this includes 90% of melanomas. Regular skin cancer checks are the only way to guarantee early detection.

A dermatologist or doctor can provide a skin cancer check in Sydney for you, or you can perform a self-assessment.

The Procedure

If you see a dermatologist for a skin cancer check in Sydney, they’ll look over your skin and pay close attention to any lesions. They’ll also evaluate your risk of developing skin cancer based on your skin type, your family history, and your behaviour patterns.

The medical professional can then tell you how often you should be checking your skin, and whether they recommend any follow-up procedures.

For skin cancer checks, it’s best that you see a dermatologist. Dermatologists have undergone extra, specific training to ensure that they know all the skin cancer signs to watch out for.

Skin cancer checks are non-invasive. Once you’ve undergone a professional skin health check, you can check your own skin with confidence, because you’ll know what’s normal for you.

Checking Your Own Skin

To check your own skin, follow these simple steps:

  • In good light, undress completely
  • Check your entire body, including the soles of your feet and nail beds
  • Use a mirror to check areas such as your back, or ask a relative or partner to check for you
  • Give your scalp an examination, too

If you’re unsure how to check your skin properly, always ask a dermatologist. Typically, you should be checking your skin at least every three months, or every month if you’re in a high-risk group for melanoma. For low-risk individuals, it may only be necessary to perform a skin check annually, but it’s generally accepted that frequent skin checks are preferred.

Preventing Skin Cancer

While it’s impossible to prevent skin cancer, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the disease. These are:

  • Wear clothes to cover as much skin as possible
  • Choose tightly woven fabrics that offer better protection against UV radiation
  • Use the highest possible SPF sunscreen (currently SPF50+ in Australia) with broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. SPF is the ‘Sun Protection Factor’ against UVB which causes most damage. For eg, SPF 50 will provide 50 times the amount of time without sun damage, compared to not using sunscreen.
  • Apply enough sunscreen –Ensure that any skin that will be exposed to the sun is covered in sunscreen. A good guide is the ‘7 teaspoon’ rule –one teaspoon for each limb, one teaspoon each for your front and back of your torso, and half a teaspoon each for your face and neck.
  • Re-apply regularly – about every 2 hours, or more frequently if swimming or exercising.
  • Wear hats that cover the neck and ears
  • Wear sunglasses that fit close to the face
  • Sit in the shade

What to Do if You’re Worried About Skin Cancer in Sydney

If you’re worried about skin cancer, the best thing to do is to consult a dermatologist. They can check over your skin and give you skin health advice. If they spot any alarming symptoms, they can investigate and go over treatment options with you.

Never delay checking out a potential cancerous change to your skin. Like many illnesses, early detection is key to beating skin cancer. The earlier skin cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat. When combined with lifestyle changes, early detection can also reduce the risk of skin cancer recurrence.

If you are worried about your skin, need advice on how to better look after your skin, or you need more information about skin cancer checks in Sydney, contact us today.

Melanoma Skin Cancer : Getting to Know the Signs

/in , /by

Skin melanoma is the 17th most common type of cancer worldwide according to World Cancer Research International. It is also considered more dangerous than non-melanoma skin cancers (i.e. basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer) because of the likelihood of it spreading to other parts of the body if it remains undetected at its early stages.

Australia happens to be the capital of skin cancer, with two out of three Australians likely to have skin cancer by age 70. In 2018, Australia also had the highest rate of melanoma in men. However, this doesn’t mean you should be rushing to get melanoma treatment in Sydney right away.

Skin cancers are more frequently seen than felt, and they rarely hurt. But if you are the typical sun-loving Australian, it’s essential to get to know your skin and what is normal for you, so that you notice any changes as early as possible.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Melanoma

One of the most common signs of melanoma is the formation of a new spot on the skin or an existing mole which appears to be changing. Of course, not all skin spots are suspect; but the best way to determine whether a skin growth may be melanoma is by using the ABCDE method:

  • Asymmetry: The shape of the mole is uneven or irregular.
  • Border: The edges are irregular, notched, or blurred.
  • Color: The mole is unevenly colored, and may include various shades of black or brown, and perhaps even patches of red, white, pink, or blue.
  • Diameter: The spot would be bigger than six millimeters across (larger than the size of a pencil eraser); however, some melanomas could be smaller than this.
  • Evolving: The spot changes in size, shape, color or texture.

Although these are more common signs of melanoma, they do not necessarily cover every type of suspicious skin growth. So, it’s important to always take note of any changes in your skin or new spots or growths that look different from your other moles.

Other Possible Symptoms of Melanoma

Aside from applying the ABCDE method, you should also be on the lookout for the following:

  • Sores that don’t heal
  • Any redness, swelling, or pigmentation which spreads beyond the border of the spot to the surrounding skin
  • Visible changes in the appearance of a mole such as a lump or bump as well as bleeding, oozing, or scaling
  • Itchiness, skin tenderness, or pain
  • Blurry or partial loss of vision, or the appearance of pigments in the iris which appear to be whitish, tan, or dark brown

Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that cancer symptoms vary, and that not all moles are suspect, or that all melanomas start as moles. Moreover, although melanomas usually develop in parts of the skin exposed to the sun, they can also grow in areas that do not or rarely get any sun exposure.

Aside from checking the limbs, trunk, face and neck, the soles of the feet, palms of the hands, folds between the toes, the skin underneath the fingernails and toenails, the genitals, and the eyes also need to be examined.

The estimated five-year survival rate of melanoma patients who get early-stage diagnosis and treatment is 98 percent. If the disease has progressed into the lymph nodes, the five-year survival rate falls to 64 percent; but when it has metastasized to other organs, the survival rate drops further to only 23 percent.

Your best recourse for early diagnosis is to visit a skin cancer clinic in Sydney (or wherever you reside).

Melanoma Risk Factors

Melanoma skin cancer starts from the melanocytes, which are melanin-forming cells found in parts of the body like the skin, the eyes, and inner ears. When melanocytes grow out of control, melanoma develops.

The exact cause for this phenomenon is unknown, but there are certain factors that can increase your risk of developing melanoma. They are as follows:

  • Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. This includes direct sunlight as well as the use of tanning beds. Early exposure increases the risk, especially if you frequently suffered from sunburn as a child.
  • Age. The risk of developing melanoma increases with age – just like in most types of cancers. Almost half of newly diagnosed cases of melanoma involve patients aged 55 to 74. However, it’s also the most common type of cancer affecting women aged 25 to 29.
  • Weakened immune system. Conditions and infections that lead to immune system suppression can make you susceptible to melanoma. This is why organ transplant recipients who are usually given medication that weakens the immune system (to prevent organ rejection), as well as HIV patients with low immunity, have a higher risk of developing melanoma.
  • Skin tone or complexion. Fair-skinned Caucasians have a higher risk of developing skin cancer overall, not just melanoma. Redheads, blondes, blue- and green-eyed and freckled individuals are also at a higher risk, as well as people who burn easily.
  • Moles. As discussed earlier, unusual skin spots or moles may signal melanoma.
  • Genetics or family history. People with one or both parents or a sibling diagnosed with melanoma are at risk of developing it as well. Individuals suffering from a genetic skin condition affecting the skin’s ability to repair UV damage called xeroderma pigmentosum are also at risk of developing melanoma at an early age.

Early Detection is Key

As with any other disease, the best way to increase your chances of successful treatment and survival is getting an early-stage diagnosis. This way, you can avail yourself of early treatment and make necessary lifestyle changes to help improve your condition.

Melanoma skin cancer is a fatal disease, but it is by no means an insurmountable obstacle. With early detection and proper treatment, you have better chances of overcoming it.