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Types of Skin Cancer in New Zealand
In New Zealand, the three most common types of skin cancer are Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), and Melanoma. These are classified based on the type of skin cells they originate from. In recent years, there has also been a rise in less common forms of skin cancer, such as Merkel Cell Carcinoma, Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma, and Sarcomatoid Carcinoma.
Self-Examination and Early Detection
Regular self-checks are essential for identifying early signs of skin cancer. Don’t ignore a lesion just because it’s painless—many skin cancers don’t cause discomfort in the early stages. If you or someone close to you notices a suspicious spot or change in the skin, it's important to consult a qualified skin cancer doctor or dermatologist for assessment.
Risk Factors for Skin Cancer
Skin cancers can look different depending on their type and often appear in specific areas of the body. Several factors can increase your risk, including excessive UV exposure, smoking, certain viral infections, long-term medication use, chemical and radiation exposure, autoimmune conditions, and hereditary factors.
Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, and the easiest to treat because it rarely spreads. BCC is generally characterized by its raised red or pearly appearance. It usually occurs on sun exposed areas of the face, neck and upper back. In most cases, the cancerous tissue is removed by either freezing with liquid nitrogen (superficial) or cutting out the invasive lesion. More>>
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer. It is often as easy to treat as basal cell cancer. However, squamous cell cancer is more likely to spread to other areas, like the skeleton, lymph and liver. SCC is usually characterized by a fast growing scaly or ulcerated lump that frequently appears on the face, scalp, neck, forearms, hands and shins. More>>
Malignant Melanoma is the most dangerous kind of skin cancer because it may spread quickly through lymph, blood or nerve tissues, to other organs. If caught early, the prognosis is very good. There are different types of melanoma that can involve the skin, eye and nailbed. Superficial spreading type melanoma of the skin usually appears to be asymmetric, uneven borders, patchy dark colors and evolving. More>>
Merkel Cell Carcinoma is a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer that often metastasizes to other parts of the body. It is more common in those that are immune suppressed due to systemic drugs, organ transplants, HIV infection and haematological malignancies. MCC usually presents as a rapidly enlarging, solitary, irregular red nodule. It is often similar in appearance to other more common skin cancers such as BCC but grows much more quickly.
Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma is associated with blood cancer. Mycosis fungoides is very rare is associated with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. This type tends to worsen slowly over time and may initially look like a skin rash, eczema or psoriasis. Due to recent advances in treatment, many people diagnosed with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma live normal lives.
Also see an Online Calculator that has been developed by the Melanoma Institute Australia (‘MIA’), based on a published risk prediction models (see References). It has been designed for use by clinicians, to guide discussions with patients about sun protection habits and skin surveillance for melanoma, for those who have not had a previous primary melanoma. As stated by MIA, the Calculator does not replace the doctors' assessment or advice. Melanoma Risk Assessment Tool
Lesion-Directed Dermoscopic Examination
We offer a Lesion-Directed Examination that involves the dermoscopic assessment and imaging of 1-3 specific lesions of concern and formulation of a management plan to address your concerns.
Appointment takes about 20 min with an accredited skin cancer doctor and cryotherapy can be provided on the day.
If any lesions need to be removed, we'll arrange further management at a later date.
Full Body Skin Cancer Examination
In those patients with a confirmed history of skin cancers, we are able to offer post-treatment follow-up and long-term surveillance. This full body skin cancer examination takes about 40-50min and is performed by a registered skin cancer nurse in Levin only. The diagnoses and final reports are authorized by an accredited skin cancer doctor.
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