SKIN CANCER & CONDITIONS

Skin cancers, spots and lumps

Explore common skin cancers and non-cancerous spots and lumps.

  • Information about common skin lesions
  • Assessment by experienced skin cancer doctors
  • Surgical and medical skin cancer treatments
  • Treatment options for non-cancerous spots and lumps
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A woman's upper back, showing multiple moles Book a consultation

A skin lesion is a growth or area of skin that appears different from the surrounding skin.

Everyone has skin lesions. Lesions vary in shape, size, texture and colour. Some are harmless, but others might indicate medical conditions or skin cancer.

Skin cancers tend to grow, invading the surrounding tissues and sometimes spreading to other parts of the body. If untreated, skin cancers such as melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma can cause death. Skin cancers always require treatment.

Benign (non-cancer) lesions are normally harmless. Most can be removed using cosmetic techniques.

For rosacea, pigmentation, scars, fungal nail infections and other non-cancer skin concerns, browse our skin conditions.

Dr Chris Miller
Written by Dr Chris Miller Accredited skin cancer doctor

MBBS, MA (Virtual Comm), Grad Cert Hlth Info, Grad Dip Comp Inf Sci

Skin cancers

Close-up view of melanoma
Melanoma

Melanoma is one of the most serious skin cancers. If untreated, it can spread uncontrolled through the body causing severe illness or death.
Melanoma in situ
Melanoma in situ

Melanoma in situ is the earliest form of melanoma, affecting only upper layers of the skin. Long term survival approaches 100%.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), close-up view
Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common, and one of the least serious, forms of skin cancer. It tends to grow slowly and rarely spreads to other organs.
Superficial basal cell carcinoma
Superficial basal cell carcinoma

Superficial basal cell carcinoma is a common minor form of skin cancer. It can be treated surgically or by freezing or applying a cream.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma

SCC is a common skin cancer, especially in older people. It causes a crusty or scaly lump or patch. It's usually easily treated, but sometimes spreads.
Bowen's disease
Bowen's disease

Bowen's disease (SCC in situ) is a very common mild form of skin cancer, affecting only upper layers of the skin. It tends to grow slowly and progression is unusual.

Skin changes associated with skin cancer risk

Dysplastic mole
Dysplastic moles

A dysplastic mole is a common mole which is irregular in appearance and may resemble a melanoma. People with dysplastic moles have a higher risk of melanoma.
Solar keratoses on the back of a hand
Solar keratoses

Solar keratoses are skin damage caused by long term sun exposure, affecting 40-50% of white Australians. If untreated, they can develop into skin cancer.
Sun damaged skin on a person's chest
Sun damage

Sun-damaged skin includes pigmentation (freckles/"age spots"), wrinkles and prominent blood vessels. It is often loose and thin.

Benign (non-cancer) spots and lumps

Close-up view of a dermal naevus
Moles

A mole is a common lump or spot on the skin, consisting mainly of melanocytes (pigment cells). Moles have many different types and appearances; all are considered normal and harmless.
Close-up view of compound mole
Compound, junctional and other moles

Compound, junctional and other moles are usually pigmented and flat or slightly raised. They have many different appearances; all are harmless.
Seborrhoeic keratosis - close-up view
Seborrhoeic keratoses

Harmless crusty or waxy plaque-like thickening of the top layer of skin.
Close-up view of lentigines on the back of the hand
Freckles and age spots

Lentigines, sometimes known as “age spots” or “liver spots” are patches of pigmentation caused by long term sun exposure. Unwanted lentigines respond well to cosmetic treatments.
Angioma on pale skin
Angiomas

Clusters of blood vessels in the skin. Most people have several; in some cases there may be hundreds. They can be treated effectively with laser or BBL.
Dermatofibroma on a man's upper back
Dermatofibroma

Firm scar-like lump, often appearing at the site of an insect bite, ingrown hair or foreign body.
Close-up view of a skin tag
Skin tags

Small, soft lumps, commonly appearing in areas of skin friction.
Close-up view of a lichenoid keratosis
Lichenoid keratosis

Patch of inflamed skin, often appearing at the site of a lentigo or seborrhoeic keratosis. Many lichenoid keratoses resolve without treatment.