Question
Hi Wei Chiang,
In general, the cost depends on whether surgery or further treatment with immunotherapy or targeted therapy is needed. Whether a patient seeks treatment in the public or private sector also reflects a difference in cost, with the private sector often charging double or more of what the public rates might be.
A melanoma may develop from a normal mole which then changes over time. A melanoma normally changes in shape, size and colour, sometimes slowly or sometimes very quickly. If a mole becomes very black, bleeds or have irregular borders and different colours within, do speed-dial your dermatologist office for an appointment.
Yes apart from the most dangerous melanoma, there are 2 other types of skin cancer. Skin cancer can be broadly divided into non-melanoma skin cancer or the more dangerous melanoma. Non-melanoma skin cancer includes basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). BCCs account for vast majority of skin cancers and are most often found on sun exposed areas of people who spend a lot of time outdoors. BCCs are generally not life threatening as they rarely spread to the rest of the body. However, if left untreated, they continue to grow and can destroy surrounding tissues.
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