Melanoma

Melanoma is much less common than BCC or SCC but is still relatively common with 1 in 20 Australians developing one. It is potentially more dangerous than BCC and SCC as it can more readily develop the ability to spread. They usually appear as a flat irregular brown lesion. It is very important that it is detected and removed early because in its earliest stages it has little or no ability to spread. This is why Australian dermatologists recommend everyone checks their own skin at home every three months. Treatment almost always involves excision with a safety margin and careful skin monitoring thereafter.  Genetics plays a large role in determining risk of melanoma, and those with a family history of melanoma, and a large number of naevi (moles) are at a significantly increased risk compared to the general population.