Can Skin Cancer Spread?

Understanding Skin Cancer: The Importance of Regular Mole Checks, West Malling, Kent 

Skin cancer, a prevalent and potentially serious health condition, affects millions globally. This blog aims to shed light on what skin cancer is, why it occurs, its ability to spread, and the crucial role of regular mole checks in West Malling, Kent, for early detection and treatment.

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. It results when damage to skin cells—often caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds—triggers mutations or genetic defects. These defects lead skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumours.

The three main types of skin cancer are: 

• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common type, occurring in the basal cells that produce new skin cells. BCC often appears as a slightly transparent bump on the skin, though it can take other forms.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): The second most common type, affecting the squamous cells that make up the middle and outer layers of the skin. SCC typically manifests as a red, scaly, or crusted surface on the skin.
• Melanoma: The most dangerous form due to its ability to spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma can develop in existing moles or appear as new, unusual-looking growths.

Why Does Skin Cancer Happen?

Skin cancer primarily occurs due to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, with several risk factors contributing to its development. These include excessive sun exposure without adequate protection, the use of tanning beds, residing in areas with intense sunlight or at high altitudes, and a personal history of sunburns, particularly those experienced during childhood. Additionally, individuals with certain types or a high number of moles, those with fair skin that is prone to burning easily, those who take immunosuppressive medication and those with a family history of skin cancer are at a heightened risk. All these factors collectively increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer at some point during your lifetime.

Can Skin Cancer Spread?

While BCC and SCC are less likely to spread and may be effectively treated if detected early, melanoma is more aggressive. It can invade nearby tissues and spread to other body parts, including vital organs, making early detection critical.

The Importance of Mole Checks

Regular mole checks are vital for early detection of skin cancer, especially melanoma. We recommend self-examination of the skin once a month and a professional skin exam yearly or as advised. When checking moles, remember the “ABCDE” rule:

• Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.
• Border: Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges.
• Colour: Varies from one area to another; shades of tan, brown, black, white, red, or blue.
• Diameter: Melanomas are usually greater than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, but they can be smaller.
• Evolving: A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, or colour.

Early detection through regular checks can lead to effective treatment, significantly reducing the risk of cancer spreading.

Should I have a mole screening?

Although the ABCDE method can be very useful it is certainly not foolproof, and is more useful when used by an experienced clinician. If you have any concerns about your moles or have a lot of moles, especially in hard-to-see areas, having a mole screening offers an excellent safeguard against skin cancer by catching suspicious moles early.

During our mole screening service, your practitioner will closely examine your moles using a specialised magnifying glass called a dermatoscope which provides high-resolution images of each mole.

Your doctor will also take medical photographs of the areas during your screening. This helps to keep a record of the exact size, colour and location of all the moles on your body and track any changes where necessary. If your doctor decides that you should be referred or a biopsy is required, we will provide an immediate medical referral to a local dermatologist or your GP.

To find out more about our mole screening and mapping services, click here or book a consultation here.

Disclaimer: Please be aware that results and benefits may vary from patient to patient taking into consideration factors such as age, lifestyle and medical history.