Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
A basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer. They typically present as a pink nodule that may or may not bleed easily or have an overlying scab. These cancers are related to a history of intermittent sun exposure, previous radiation therapy and immunosuppression. There are a number of different types of BCC each with its own type of aggressiveness. These cancers can very rarely spread (metastasise). These cancers but be aggressive with their ability to invade into the local tissue. These may be treated with topical therapies (LINK) or surgery. A BCC is less responsive to radiation therapy compared with other skin cancers. For BCC’s that are not able to be removed completely, immunotherapy (vismodegib) may be recommended by a Medical Oncologist.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
A squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common skin cancer. They typically present as a non-healing ulcer or sore. The diagnosis of an SCC can often be delayed if confused with being related to trauma. These cancers are related to a history of sun exposure, immunosuppression and smoking (increased risk of lip cancer). These cancers are dangerous because they can invade into the local tissue and have the ability to spread. Up to 5% (1:20) of these cancers have the ability to spread (metastasise) to the lymph nodes (glands). Surgery is the most common treatment option. This involves removal of the tumour itself and if there is evidence of the cancer having spread to the lymph nodes in either the parotid gland or neck, they too will need to be removed.
Melanoma
A melanoma is a cancer that originates from the cells that are responsible for pigmentation. These can be found either in the mouth (LINK) or skin and respond to treatment differently. A melanoma typically presents as a dark lesion (similar to a freckle) that is growing or changing, bleeds or causes itching. There are subtypes that lack pigment so not all dark. These are aggressive cancers that have the ability to spread via the lymphatic and haematogenous (blood) systems. The treatment of melanoma’s has significantly changed in the last 10 years with advancements in immunotherapy (LINK). The primary lesion is removed by surgery and often a lymph node sampling (sentinel node biopsy) is performed at the same time. For large or aggressive melanomas, the use of immunotherapy is now standard treatment. Due to its effectiveness, radiation therapy is now used less commonly.