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The Skin Doctor

Doctor-led patient guide to the four families of skin cancer and pre-cancer we manage at The Skin Doctor (Ivanhoe and Diamond Creek, Melbourne): melanoma (including melanoma in situ and thin invasive melanoma), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and actinic keratosis (AK). Each linked page explains what the diagnosis means, how urgent it is, and how it is treated.

Skin Cancer and Skin Medicine

Skin Cancer Types

Doctor-led patient guide to the four families of skin cancer and pre-cancer we manage at The Skin Doctor (Ivanhoe and Diamond Creek, Melbourne): melanoma (including melanoma in situ and thin invasive melanoma), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and actinic keratosis (AK). Each linked page explains what the diagnosis means, how urgent it is, and how it is treated.

If you’ve noticed a new spot, a changing mole, or a sore that won’t heal, it’s natural to feel anxious. The good news: most skin cancers are highly treatable when found early — and knowing the type helps you understand risk, urgency, and treatment options.

At The Skin Doctor (Ivanhoe + Diamond Creek), we diagnose skin lesions every day using expert clinical assessment and dermoscopy (and full skin mapping when helpful). If you’re unsure, the safest move is to get it checked.

Quick links

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) →

The most common skin cancer. Slow-growing and almost never spreads beyond the skin.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) →

The second most common skin cancer. Usually cured by simple excision when caught early.

Melanoma →

The most serious common skin cancer. Early forms have very high cure rates with proper surgery.

Also see: Actinic Keratosis (pre-cancer) → and the treatment options → we offer for sun-damaged skin.

Quick definitions

  • Melanoma is the most serious common skin cancer — a malignancy of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) that can spread if not caught early. Early forms (melanoma in situ, thin invasive melanoma) are highly curable with surgery.
  • Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer worldwide. It grows slowly, almost never spreads beyond the skin, and is usually cured with surgery, topical treatments, or laser-assisted photodynamic therapy.
  • Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common skin cancer. Caught early it is usually cured by simple excision; a minority of high-risk SCCs (large, thick, on lips/ears, or in immunosuppressed patients) can spread.
  • Actinic keratosis (AK) is a sun-damage pre-cancer — not yet cancer, but persistent or thick AKs can progress to invasive SCC, which is why field therapy is offered.
Book a full skin check Book a targeted spot check (1–3 spots)

Which type do I need to worry about most?

If you’re reading this because you’ve spotted something new, here’s the practical rule:

  • A rapidly changing lesion, a new dark spot, or a changing mole → treat as urgent until proven otherwise (often melanoma is the concern).
  • A sore that doesn’t heal, persistent crusting/bleeding, or a growing scaly lump → needs assessment (often SCC or BCC).
  • A rough sunspot that keeps returning in the same place → likely AK, but still worth checking (especially if thick, tender, or enlarging).

If you’re uncertain, don’t guess — book the right appointment and we’ll triage it properly.

Book a targeted spot check (1–3 spots) Book a full skin check
Diagnostics

How doctors tell the difference

Skin cancers don’t always follow the “textbook” appearance. Diagnosis usually involves:

  • History — change over time, symptoms (itching, tenderness, bleeding), and risk factors.
  • Clinical examination — shape, border, colour, surface pattern.
  • Dermoscopy — a specialised magnified light to see patterns not visible to the naked eye.
  • Biopsy (when needed) — the definitive test if there’s doubt.

If you’ve had a previous skin cancer, your risk of another is higher — and a structured surveillance plan matters. How to reduce your risk of getting skin cancer again →

Not sure what you’re looking at?

If you’re worried about one or two spots — a targeted review is designed for that.

Book a targeted spot check (1–3 spots)

If you want reassurance (or you’ve had skin cancer before) — a full skin check is the safest option.

Book a full skin check
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

  • Is actinic keratosis a skin cancer?
    Not yet. AK is a pre-cancer caused by sun damage. Some AKs can progress to SCC over time, which is why persistent or thick AKs should be assessed and treated.
  • Can basal cell carcinoma spread?
    BCC rarely spreads, but it can grow deeper and wider if left untreated — especially on the face — which can make treatment more complex.
  • Can squamous cell carcinoma spread?
    Yes, a minority can spread. Risk is higher if the SCC is larger, thicker, rapidly growing, on high-risk sites (like lips/ears), recurrent, or in people who are immunosuppressed.
  • What does melanoma look like?
    Melanoma can be a changing mole, a new dark spot, or a lesion that looks different from your other moles ("the ugly duckling"). Some melanomas are not very dark, which is why change over time matters.
  • What if my spot bleeds but then settles?
    Any lesion that repeatedly bleeds, crusts, or doesn't properly heal should be checked — even if it "comes and goes."
  • Should I book a spot check or a full skin check?
    Spot check — great if you have 1–3 specific lesions you're worried about. Full skin check — best for reassurance, multiple lesions, a history of skin cancer, or high-risk skin.
  • How quickly should I be seen?
    If a lesion is changing quickly, painful/tender, bleeding repeatedly, or looks clearly different from your other spots, book the soonest available review.

Medically reviewed by Dr Christopher Irwin, MBChB, FRACGP, MMed (Skin Cancer), FACAM, MSCCA · Last reviewed 2026-06-06 · Editorial policy