Is skin cancer in Australia on the rise? You better believe it, and you had better start taking this seriously before it jumps up and bites you on the Ass.
This post from me today comes from the heart, having just supported my wife through the process of identifying a Melanoma, a biopsy, surgery to remove the cancer and the recovery process after surgery.
This story is fantastic in that no one believed this skin blemish was skin cancer, including doctors and a Skin Cancer Specialist until a second Dermatologist confirmed our worst fears by performing a biopsy.
The photos I have shared with you below may be confronting, but Jacqui and I believe the story should be openly shared to increase awareness of the growing medical issue.
The image on the left was taken on 08/01/2014, while the picture on the right was taken over six years later.
Despite doubling in size, nothing obvious suggested this blemish was cause for concern. If you doubt this, then reference the characteristics of skin cancer and note the complete lack of similarities.
Blemish or Skin Cancer
The Signs of Skin Cancer
- A change in the size, shape, colour, or feel of a mole.
- A sore that doesn’t heal.
- An area of skin that looks scaly, swollen, or inflamed.
- A new growth or lump on the skin.
- An open sore that bleeds or crusts over repeatedly.
- An itchy or tender area of the skin that doesn’t go away.
- Dark spots or patches on the skin.
Skin Cancers That Are Hard to Identify
Basal Cell Carcinoma—Basal cell carcinomas can present as a small, pale, pearly-like bump on the skin or a red, scaly patch.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma – Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer that looks like a flesh-coloured or bluish-red bump on the skin. It can also look like a red or purple patch.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma—Squamous cell carcinomas can appear as a scaly, red patch on the skin or as a firm bump or ulcer.
Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans—This type of skin cancer can look like a small, flesh-coloured, or pink bump or a reddish-brown patch.
Melanoma – Melanoma can appear as a dark-coloured or black-coloured mole. It can also appear as a change in an existing mole, such as an increase in size, irregular shape, or colour.
The Biopsy Confirmed that malignant melanoma is (In situ), which means it grows wide, not deep, and is considered less invasive.
Melanoma Surgery
The following images show the size of the surgical procedure, which ensures a flap to allow the skin to be stretched, thus avoiding the use of a skin graft.
Is Skin Cancer in Australia on the Rise? You Better believe it is!
Jacqui, you are my Super Hero and have the S on your body to prove it.