• What is it ?

Actinic keratoses, or solar keratoses, present as a localised thining of skin's surface which comes back and is persistent. They feel rough like sandpaper.

They result from prolonged and repeated sun exposure or being constantly outdoors. They only effect exposed areas of the skin. The only cause of Actinic keratoses is sun damage.

• Who is affected?

Actinic keratoses are very common in fair-skinned individuals who live in a sunny climate. They usually occur in people over the age of 50 and are more common in people with certain professions: farmers, fishermen, outdoor sports players, builders etc.

• Is it serious?

Actinic keratoses are a sign of tissue modification induced by UV light (sun damage). Skin therefore has an increased risk of developing squamous cell carcinomas.

Dermatologists recommend removing actinic keratoses, with regular follow-ups for affected patients.

• What is it ?

They are the most common form of skin cancer. There are different types of Carinomas. The most common are Basal Cell and Squamous cell carcinoma. They are caused by frequent and repeated sun exposure. If detected in time they are easily treated.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most widespread. There are different types of carcinoma. t makes up to 90% of all skin cancers. Often due to sunburn at the age adult, 20% of individuals over the age of 50 are affected. They never metastasize i.e. they don't travel from site or origin for example to the lymph glands.

Squamous carcinoma is associated with a greater risk and, found frequently on ears or lips and can travel (metastasize) to the lymph glands.

• Who is affected?

Anyone can be affected. Nonetheless, carcinomas are more common in fair-skinned individuals living in a sunny climate.

• Is it serious?

Carcinomas are rarely fatal. They progress slowly. Early diagnosis allows for simpler treatment and improves the patient's chances of recovery. Late diagnosis may require the services of a plastic surgeon who will remove it and reconstruct e.g. removal of a large area of skin may require a skin graft.

• What is it ?

It is a malignant tumor formed from melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin (the pigment that causes tanning). They usually take the form of a brown or black spot, found either on normal skin, or more rarely on top of an existing mole. Melanomas appear to be more associated with intense, short-term exposure, such as the kind responsible for sunburn.

• Who is affected?

Unlike carcinomas, melanoma can occur at any age: though half of all melanomas are found in individuals over 50, it is also one of the common cancers in young people (rare among children, the average age at diagnosis is currently estimated at 30 years old).

• Is it serious?

Although it is the rarest, malignant melanoma is considered to be the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Because of its ability to metastasize (i.e. travel), it is important to diagnose it as early as possible. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the chance of recovery.

In the majority of cases, melanoma sufferers can recover fully if their treatment is begun in the cancer's first stage of development. It is imperative that you quickly consult your GP or dermatologist if you find a suspect lesion.