Why Moles Are Only One Reason To Have Your Skin Checked

Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis, and it's also the most preventable cancer, but far too often, we only think we should see a doctor when we discover a new mole.

Each year in Australia skin cancers account for around 80 per cent of all newly diagnosed cancers, and GPs have over 1 million patient consultations each year for skin cancer. Unfortunately for us in Australia skin cancer is one of the highest in the world, two to three times the rates in Canada, the US and the UK.

Public perception suggests that people with many skin moles are at higher risk for Melanoma. In a study published in the journal JAMA Dermatology, findings indicated that most patients who are diagnosed with Melanoma have very few moles and only 20-30 per cent of melanomas are found in existing moles. In comparison, 70-80 per cent arise on normal-looking skin.

The findings mean that just because you don't have skin with lots of moles doesn't mean you are at low risk of developing skin cancer and that it’s critical to receive regular skin examinations as your overall health regime.

The findings don't mean you should quit checking your moles as this is a helpful indicator to check for any changes, and if you see a change, you should contact your doctor in Mackay for a skin check.

Checking your skin

Here's what to look for when checking your skin for changes:

  • Any new moles

  • Moles that have increased in size

  • Where an outline of a mole has become raised or bumpy

  • A spot that changes colour from brown to black or is varied in colours

  • A spot that becomes raised

  • When the surface of a mole becomes rough or ulcerated

  • Moles that itch or tingle

  • Moles that bleed or weep

  • Spots that look different from the others

Types of skin cancer

While Melanoma is the common and well-known type of skin cancer, there are also other less common types of skin cancer to be aware of:

  • Kaposi sarcoma - Kaposi sarcoma is cancer that develops from the cells that line lymph or blood vessels. It usually appears as red or purple patches on the skin or mucous membranes and often occurs in people with weakened immune systems.  

  • Merkel cell carcinoma - This type of cancer presents in firm, shiny bumps that occur on or just beneath the skin and in hair follicles. Merkel cell carcinoma is most often found on the head, neck and torso.

  • Sebaceous gland carcinoma - This is a rare and very uncommon cancer but its a very aggressive type of cancer. It's fund in the oil glands of the skin which usually appear as hard, painless bumps.  They can develop anywhere, but most occur on the eyelid, where they're frequently mistaken for other eyelid problems.

When to see a doctor

The sooner you see a doctor who can identify and treat possible skin cancer, the better chance you'll have of avoiding surgery. It's important to know what is normal for your skin and self-check often. While the first signs of skin cancers can start as early as in the '20s, skin cancer in children under 14 is rare, but it's still a good idea to check children for any skin irregularities.

People at high risk for skin cancer include those with:

  • Fair skin

  • Freckles and light eye colour

  • Burn easily

  • Light or red hair

  • Large numbers of moles

  • Depressed immune system

  • Family history of Melanoma

  • Previous diagnosis of Melanoma

To improve the accuracy of the diagnosis of malignancies in pigmented skin lesions and therefore improve health outcomes, Shakespeare Medical Centre has invested in a state-of-the-art skin surveillance Heine Cube (skin surface microscope.)  

To find out more or if you're concerned about any changes in your skin, make an appointment with our friendly staff in Mackay to get your skin checked or call us on 07 4953 0233.

Karen Blanchfield