5 top conditions skin cancer can be mistaken for

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Skin cancer cases are on the rise in the UK, and that means that people should be educated more than ever on the signs and symptoms of this disease.

Skin cancer is thought to be caused by unprotected exposure to the sun, but in most cases, it is curable with an early diagnosis and the right treatment.

However, if a doctor or healthcare professional fails to correctly diagnose the cancer, which then leads to unnecessary and preventable harm, you may be entitled to compensation.

5 top conditions

Most skin cancers can be treated with early detection and treatment, but an incorrect diagnosis could lead to a delay in treatment and deterioration of your condition.

We have rounded up what you need to do if your skin cancer is misdiagnosed, and common skin conditions it can be mistaken for:

Types of skin cancer

There are three different types of skin cancer and they all have slightly different appearances.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common type, usually appearing as a small, shiny bump or a pink growth. BCC rarely spreads but can cause significant local damage if not treated.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Often manifesting as a red, scaly patch or a wart-like growth. SCC can be more aggressive than BCC and has a higher likelihood of spreading.
Melanoma: The deadliest form, melanoma can develop in existing moles or as a new dark spot on the skin. Early detection is crucial as melanoma can spread rapidly to other parts of the body.

But if your doctor fails to recognise the signs of these, which leads to harm further down the line, you may be entitled to compensation.

Skin Conditions Skin Cancer can be mistaken for

Psoriasis
Seborrheic Keratoses (Benign tumour)
Sebaceous hyperplasia
Nevus (mole)
Cherry angioma

How are skin cancers and melanomas diagnosed?

If you suspect you have skin cancer, contact your GP or healthcare provider to investigate your concerns.

Treatment Stages

GP – They will usually take photographs of the melanoma to see if it changes over some time. If the melanoma is suspicious or has changed, an urgent referral needs to be made to dermatology.
Dermatologists – They are trained to examine and recognise melanomas. Any suspect moles may have a biopsy removed from them and sent for analysis.
Plastic surgery – the affected area will be removed under a surgical procedure. The affected area may also be removed to prevent any remaining cells.

Further tests

If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, further tests may be required. This may include scans such as:

Computerised tomography (CT) scan
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

Doctors use the AJCC system, which is used to work out how far the cancer has grown and if it has spread. They range from 0 to 4.

1 – Surface of the skin
2 – Thickness of up to 4mm and ulceration
4 – Spreading into the lymph nodes and other parts of the body

This then assists the treatment providers in getting the correct treatment.

Skin Cancer treatments

There are several treatments available depending on the type and severity of the cancer.

Surgical excision – If the cancer has not spread then removal of the skin cancer and areas is carried out. It is usually carried out under local anaesthetics and may leave a scar. Often there will be no further treatment required.
Extensive surgery – If the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes then further surgery will be needed. It is usually done under general anaesthetic
Palliative care – If the cancer is at stage 4 then a cure is not likely. Treatment is provided to improve symptoms and extend life expectancy.
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy
Medication – Ipilimumab, Nivolumab and Pembrolizumab are often used

What causes skin cancer?

Skin cancers are thought to be caused by excessive exposure to sunlight or sunbeds. They usually occur due to sunburn or long exposure to the sun. Certain people will be more prone such as if they have:

Lots of moles and freckles on the skin
Pale skin
Light-coloured hair (blonde/red)
A close relative had melanoma

Skin cancers can be prevented by using high-factor skin creams, applying regularly, staying in the shade, and shortening exposure to the sun.

Skin cancer symptoms

If you are particularly prone to moles, it is important to keep an eye on new moles or any changes in existing ones. A benign mole is usually round or oval, smooth-edged, and smaller than 6mm.

The changes that need to be looked for are:

Increase in size
Change in shape
Bleeding
Scabbing
Change in colour
Itchy

Any changes should be checked immediately by a GP, and the earlier they are detected the better.