Melanomas develop from the cells in our skin that produce pigment (the brown colour), called melanocytes.

There are several types of melanoma, but they fall broadly into two main categories:

• Melanoma in situ – this means the abnormal cells are confined to the top layer of the skin (the epidermis). At this early stage, the cells haven’t spread deeper and are far less likely to spread elsewhere in the body, if treated promptly.
• Invasive melanoma – this means the melanoma cells have grown down into the second layer of the skin (the dermis). The dermis contains blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, which can potentially carry cancer cells to other parts of the body. This is what we refer to as metastasis or spreading.

Detecting and removing a melanoma before it becomes invasive gives you the best possible outcome, as the risk of spread is extremely low. This is why regular skin checks are so important — they allow us to identify any new or changing spots at a very early stage, when surgical removal is simple and highly effective.

When a melanoma is found to be invasive, the next steps depend on how deep it has grown — a measurement called the Breslow depth. Your doctor will also review other features on the pathology report that help determine how aggressive the melanoma may be.

Treatment almost always involves a wide local excision, where a safe margin of normal skin is removed around the melanoma site aiming to remove all the remaining cancer cells if any. In some cases, further investigations or specialist care may be required.

At Skin GC, we work closely with an excellent network of specialists, including plastic surgeons and dermatologists, across both private and public hospitals. If more complex management or additional treatment is needed, we’ll coordinate a seamless referral to ensure you receive the best possible care.

Having had either of these types of melanoma does increase your risk of developing skin cancers in the future. So your ongoing skin surveillance will need to be a little more frequent for a while. With careful monitoring and sun protection, most people continue to live healthy, active lives without any further issues.

Because of this, these cancers are called basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Each can have a superficial (in situ) form, limited to the surface of the skin, and an invasive form, which extends into the deeper dermis.

Keratinocytic skin cancers are the most common types of skin cancer. They develop from the two main types of cells that make up the outer layer of our skin (the epidermis) — basal cells and squamous cells.

Superficial BCCs and SCCs can look very similar. They often appear as a pink, scaly patch that may bleed easily when drying or scratching the skin. These early, surface-level cancers grow slowly and are very treatable.

The good news is that there are several effective treatment options, depending on the type, size, and location of the lesion. These may include topical creams, cryotherapy (freezing), curettage (scraping and cautery), or simple surgical excision.

When these cancers extend deeper into the skin, they are called invasive.

• Invasive BCCs tend to have a pearly, translucent appearance and may develop a central ulcer or crust.
• Invasive SCCs are usually firmer and scaly, sometimes forming a hard nodule or sore that doesn’t heal.

Both types can cause local tissue damage if not treated. Invasive SCCs carry a small risk of spreading (metastasising) to other parts of the body, particularly when they occur on higher-risk areas such as the ears, lips, or genital skin.

• Treatment options vary depending on the size and location of these cancers but may include a simple excision, curettage, or topical therapy such as creams or liquid nitrogen.

This is another common form of BCC and typically appears as a pearly or flesh-coloured lump, often with tiny visible blood vessels on the surface.

• It may bleed easily or develop a crust or ulcer in the centre.
• It tends to appear on sun-exposed areas, particularly the face, neck, and ears.
• While it rarely spreads, it can damage surrounding skin and deeper tissues if left untreated.
• Treatment is usually by surgical excision, and outcomes are excellent when detected early.