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1) Melanoma:
- least common, but most serious
- usually starts as a flat, brown, freckle-like spot, can also transform the look of a mole or spot that is already there
- the edges are irregular/asymmetrical
- usually have 2 or more colours (grey, red, brown)
- most common on upper back in males and on the legs of females.
Interestingly, melanoma may appear on areas of the body that have not been regularly exposed to the sun, such as the bottom of the feet.
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2) Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinomas:
a) Basal Cell Carcinoma:
- More common, but not usually life-threatening, if treated early.
- Starts as raised, blister-like bump that will grow and eventually become crusted over.
- Usually the growth is skin coloured, but sometimes can be darker brown.
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b) Squamous Cell Carcinoma:
- Usually develops from Actinic/Solar Keratosis (see below).
- Appears as areas of chronic scaling coloured pink and/or brown. Scales can be picked off, but will eventually reform.
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3) Actinic/Solar Keratosis:
- Most common pre-malignant (pre-cancerous) skin condition that can easily progress into cancer.
- Appears on skin that has suffered severe sun damage.
- Usually looks like pink/reddish scaly lesions.
- Most common on the face, ears, back of hand, forearm, leg and scalp.
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