Skin Cancer Surgery.
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Melanomas
Approximately 3.3% of Australian women and 4% of Australian men will develop melanoma. About half of melanomas are found by the patient and present as a new and/or changing lesion. Risk factors include age, gender (male), previous melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancers, family history of melanoma, high number of naevi or moles, particular skin and hair pigmentation types, and excessive sun exposure. For more information, refer to Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Melanoma in Australia and New Zealand approved by the National Health and Medical Research Council. |
Non-melanoma skin cancers
According to Cancer Council Australia, non-melanoma skin cancers are the most common cancers in Australia. Diagnosis of skin cancers can be difficult. An Australian study involving experienced clinicians achieved a diagnostic accuracy of 39% for squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and 59% for basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). Sun exposure is the major cause of basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. The majority of squamous cell carcinomas originate from solar keratoses or sun damaged skin. For more information, refer to Clinical Practice Guide for Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma (and related lesions) - a Guide to Clinical Management in Australia. |