Types of Skin Cancer

Common Types of Skin Cancer

Although the term “melanoma” is heard frequently on medical TV shows, the most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma, affecting over a million people a year in the States alone. More than 90 percent of all cases of skin cancer in the US are basal cell carcinomas. The good news is that this type of skin cancer is the least serious and easiest to spot and treat. It grows slowly and spreads in fewer than one out of every 1000 patients. Not surprisingly, the cancer will show on skin that has frequent sun exposure, such as the face, ears and scalp. Increased awareness of the need for sunscreen and other forms of sun protection, especially during peak afternoon hours of exposure, may eventually lead to a decrease in this form of skin cancer.

The symptoms of basal cell carcinoma will either be small, pearly nodules or what appear to be flat, waxy scars. Any new, unusual skin growth should be assessed by a doctor as soon as possible.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This type of skin cancer, while it affects far fewer people annually, is considerably more serious because it can spread to vital organs. The spread is slow and occurs in very few cases, but nonetheless can be very dangerous if allowed to progress. The cancer cells will first spread to the nearest lymph nodes clusters in the body, such as the underarms, groin and neck. Affected lymph nodes can be removed before the cancer spreads further.

As with basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma most often appears first on sun-exposed skin, although it can occur anywhere on the body. The cells are found at or near the skin’s surface and look like a scaly, inflamed, crusted area, or like a dry, scaly spot that may be pink, red, brown or black.

Malignant Melanoma

This is the most serious type of skin cancer because it can quickly spread from the skin through the lymph nodes or blood and into internal organs. Its occurrence is rare, with perhaps only 4 percent of skin cancer cases overall, and if it is diagnosed early and treated promptly, it can be cured.

Malignant melanoma will occur anywhere on the body. One will often hear of concerns arising from changes in the shape and color of moles, and this is the classic symptom of melanoma. The colors can be black, brown or red. The shape of the cancer may be raised or flat but will always be asymmetrical. It usually begins in existing moles, although it has been known to rise on its own.

Melanoma often runs in families. That puts you at a higher risk if someone in your family has had melanoma, but it also gives you higher awareness. Your doctor should be aware of your family history and thus run a regular skin check. If you have a lot of moles, it can be a good idea to get them mapped. That way, there is a record of their appearance and any deviation can be quickly spotted and assessed for possible cancer. You should keep an eye on your moles at home. A change may not indicate cancer, but it is a good idea to bring it to your doctor’s attention as soon as possible.

Preventing Skin Cancer

All dermatologists and oncologists agree that excessive sun exposure without adequate protection increases the risk of skin cancer. Careful use of sun protection and simple common sun sense, starting from childhood, can go a long way towards preventing cancer. The sun is not the only instigator of cancer, it’s also one of the easiest to avoid.