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Manningham Skin Cancer Specialists
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Templestowe, Melbourne VIC 3107
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Data: AIHW, Cancer Australia, MIA
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8 min read
Not all skin cancers are the same. The distinction between melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer matters enormously. It affects how urgently you need to act, what treatment you will need, and what your prognosis looks like.
If you have recently received a diagnosis, or if a suspicious lesion is being investigated, understanding the key differences will help you ask better questions and make more informed decisions about your care.
Concerned about a suspicious lesion? Book a skin check at Manningham. No referral needed.
What Is Melanoma?
Melanoma is a cancer that begins in the melanocytes, the cells that produce the pigment (melanin) that gives skin its colour. While it accounts for only around 10% of skin cancers by incidence in Australia, it is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths due to its ability to spread rapidly to other organs if not caught early.
Melanoma most commonly appears as a new mole or a change to an existing mole. Using the ABCDE criteria helps identify suspicious lesions:
For more on early detection, see: Early Detection of Melanoma Through Mole Mapping.
What Is Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer?
Non-melanoma skin cancers are a broader group that primarily includes Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). Together they make up approximately 90% of all skin cancer diagnoses in Australia.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
BCC is the most common skin cancer in Australia and worldwide. It arises from basal cells in the deepest layer of the epidermis. BCCs grow slowly and rarely spread to other organs, but they can cause significant local tissue damage if left untreated.
Common appearance: a pearly or translucent bump, often with visible blood vessels, a flat scar-like lesion, or a sore that heals and reopens.
Learn more: Basal Cell Carcinoma at Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
SCC arises from the squamous cells in the outer layer of skin. It is the second most common skin cancer and carries a higher risk of spreading than BCC, though still much lower than melanoma.
Appearance: a scaly, firm red spot; a raised growth with a crusted surface; or a sore that does not heal.
Learn more: Squamous Cell Carcinoma at Manningham Skin Cancer Clinic.
Melanoma vs Non-Melanoma: Key Differences at a Glance
The table below summarises the most clinically important distinctions between melanoma, BCC and SCC.
| Melanoma | BCC | SCC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Melanocytes (pigment cells) | Basal cells (deepest epidermis) | Squamous cells (outer skin) |
| Incidence in AU | ~17,000 new cases/year | Most common (800,000+ cases/year) | Second most common |
| Growth Rate | Often rapid | Slow | Moderate |
| Risk of Spreading | High if not caught early | Very low | Low to moderate |
| Most Common Cause | UV radiation, tanning beds | UV radiation (cumulative) | UV radiation (cumulative) |
| Primary Treatment | Excisional surgery | Excision, curettage, topical | Excision, radiation |
| 5-Year Survival (Early) | 98-99% (localised) | Near 100% | Near 100% |
| 5-Year Survival (Advanced) | ~32% (metastatic) | Rare to reach advanced stage | Lower if spread |
Sources: AIHW Cancer in Australia (government); Cancer Council Australia Types of Skin Cancer (industry authority).
How Are They Treated Differently?
Treatment varies significantly based on cancer type and stage. BCCs and SCCs caught early can often be treated in-clinic with curettage and diathermy, topical treatments or simple excision. Melanoma almost always requires surgical excision with clear margins, and potentially sentinel lymph node biopsy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy for advanced stages.
Treatment Options for Non-Melanoma (BCC and SCC)
- Curettage and diathermy for superficial BCCs and actinic keratoses
- Topical treatments (imiquimod, 5-FU) for suitable low-risk lesions
- Surgical excision as the standard for most BCCs and SCCs
- Cryotherapy for actinic keratoses and superficial lesions
- Radiation therapy for inoperable or high-risk cases
Treatment Options for Melanoma
- Wide local excision with safety margins
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy to check for spread
- Immunotherapy (checkpoint inhibitors) for advanced stage
- Targeted therapy (BRAF/MEK inhibitors) for BRAF-mutant melanoma
- Radiation or systemic chemotherapy in select cases
Survival Rates: Melanoma vs Non-Melanoma
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), the 5-year survival rate for localised (Stage I) melanoma is approximately 98 to 99%. For metastatic melanoma (Stage IV), the 5-year survival rate drops to around 32%, reflecting the critical importance of early detection.
5-Year Survival
5-Year Survival
5-Year Survival
BCCs and SCCs, when detected and treated early, have near-100% cure rates. These cancers are rarely life-threatening when managed appropriately. Source: AIHW Cancer in Australia.
Which One Spreads More Easily?
Melanoma is significantly more likely to metastasise (spread to lymph nodes, lungs, liver, brain and other organs) than either BCC or SCC.
BCCs almost never spread beyond the skin. SCCs have a metastasis rate of roughly 2 to 5% for common cutaneous SCCs, though certain high-risk SCCs (on the lips, ears or in immunocompromised patients) carry higher risk.
This difference is the primary reason melanoma requires more aggressive treatment and urgent diagnosis. Any new or changing mole should be assessed promptly. Read our guide to mole screening and why it is important.
Why Early Detection Matters for Both Types
While non-melanoma skin cancers are rarely fatal, untreated BCCs and SCCs cause significant tissue damage, disfigurement and complex surgical repairs. Any skin cancer caught at an early, superficial stage is easier to treat, requires less invasive procedures and produces better cosmetic outcomes.
For melanoma, early detection is not just about better outcomes. It is the difference between a cure and a life-threatening illness. A melanoma caught at Stage I requires a simple surgical excision. The same melanoma detected at Stage IV requires systemic treatment and carries a dramatically worse prognosis.
Both types are detected through regular full-body skin checks and dermoscopy. Annual or biannual skin checks are recommended for all Australians over 40. Compare skin checks vs full body mole mapping to find the right option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Related Reading
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Detection
What Is a Mole Screening and Why Is It Important?
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Early Detection
Early Detection of Melanoma Through Mole Mapping
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Comparison
Skin Checks vs Full Body Mole Mapping: What’s the Difference?
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Service
Full Body Mole Mapping at Manningham
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Guide
Full Body Mole Mapping in Melbourne: How It Works and What It Costs
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Screening
Full Body Skin Cancer Screening: What to Expect and Who Needs It
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Book a Full Body Skin Check at Manningham
Whether you have a family history of melanoma, a suspicious mole, or are simply overdue for a check. Our specialists are here. No referral needed. Bulk billing available.
Templestowe Lower VIC 3107 | Fortnightly Saturday appointments available