The most common skin cancer type usually occurs in sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, bald head and forearms. These types of cancers look like flesh-coloured, pearl-like bumps or pink patches on the skin. BCC doesn't spread via the blood, but it is locally destructive. It is very important that it is diagnosed and completely excised as soon as possible to prevent further tissue destruction.

This second widespread type of skin cancer also presents in sun-exposed areas. It often presents as a nonhealing lesion or ulcer or red, rough patches. It can spread to local lymph nodes quickly, which is why adequate treatment is important. There may be a need for radiotherapy.

Melanoma is the most lethal skin cancer of all, and the incidence worldwide has been steadily increasing. Melanoma can form anywhere on the skin, including all the hard-to-see areas. When it isn't treated, melanoma can spread to organs inside the body. It often looks like a brown or black mole or birthmark. Those at a higher risk for melanoma are:

• Family history of melanoma
• Fair-skinned people who burn easily
• Patients with more than three severe blistering burns before the age of 18 years

Dr Gavin uses the latest mole mapping technology to diagnose skin cancers, especially melanoma. Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether a mole is cancerous. Dermatologists follow the ABCDEs (asymmetry, border, colour, diameter and evolution) and ugly duckling sign to tell whether these growths are malignant. Melanomas are asymmetrical, slightly raised with uneven edges. A lesion that causes itchiness and bleeds or begins to form a crust needs to be attended to urgently.

The ugly duckling sign is simple to comprehend. All normal moles resemble one another, but a melanoma stands out from the rest. Ugly duckling lesions are different in terms of size, texture, colour and shape.

Dr Gavin, an expert in mole mapping technology, uses a dermoscopic camera to record and document images of her patients' moles for future reference. She compares these pictures and looks for any changes in the mole’s density and appearance.

Treatment for skin cancer at Dr Gavin’s practice includes:

• Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy works best to treat premalignant actinic keratosis and early-stage skin cancer. An application of liquid nitrogen freezes the growth, and dead tissue thaws off.
• Curettage and Cauterisation: Superficial skin cancers can be scraped with a sharp tool, and the base then burnt to prevent recurrence of cancer.
• Excision: Excisional surgery is appropriate for most skin cancers. Dermatologists remove the lesion and a margin of healthy tissue to make sure all cancer cells are removed. Clear margins need to be confirmed with histology; therefore, all specimens get sent away to the pathologist.