Different Types of Skin Cancer and How to Spot Them

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Skin cancer is regarded as the unusual and abnormal growth of skin cells. It is one of the most common types of cancer around the world. 

Just like other cancers, skin cancers grow and spread and cause harm to other organs of the body.

Types of Skin Cancers

Though there are different types of skin cancers, the more common ones are the following:

1. Melanoma
2. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
3. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Melanoma is a skin cancer that develops in skin cells called melanocytes, which are responsible for producing melanin (the color of our skin). This type of cancer is not very common, however, if not diagnosed and treated early, the patient’s life could be in danger.

Usually, melanoma develops on parts of the body that have the most exposure to sunlight such as the face, back, legs, etc. However, skin with little sun exposure may also develop melanoma.

A person diagnosed with melanoma either has melanoma on the surface (often regarded as melanoma in situ or lentigo maligna) or melanoma with depth. The chances of metastasis are extremely low in the in-situ type. That is why it is important to get diagnosed early and get treated quickly. 

Symptoms of Melanoma

Usually, Melanoma appears on the skin as an unusual “mole”. The mole may look unusual due to its size, color, shape, etc. 

A “melanoma” has: 

• Irregular borders.
• Asymmetrical shape. 
• Diameter more than the size of pencil eraser.
• A combination of different colors or uneven colors.
• Change in appearance and size over time

Melanoma can arise from a pre-existing mole but more common for it to surface de novo or on normal skin.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is counted among the most common types of skin cancers. 

Usually, SCC cancer isn’t life-threatening and spreads at a slower pace if treated early. However, it has more aggressive characteristics than BCC skin cancer. 

SCC skin cancers are commonly found in people who are regularly exposed to UV ray transmitters. This includes harsh sunlight and tanning beds. Besides these, some other factors are also the reason for SCC skin cancer, such as, genetic disorders (i.e., xeroderma pigmentosum), weak immune system, personal history of skin cancers, and fair skin.

Signs of Squamous Cell Cancer

SCC skin cancer can show itself in many forms. Body parts that are exposed to UV rays (usually face, hairless scalp, legs, lips) can develop a scaly crust with a flat sore, a red nodule, or a new sore on your pre-existing scar. As these symptoms progress, the sore or crust can also bleed and can cause pain.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer

Usually, people who have a long-time exposure to UV rays like sunlight, and other sources which emit UV rays, are at greater risk of getting BCC skin cancer. However, in some cases, BCC has been found on parts of the body that do not receive any exposure to UV rays.

Though the number of patients with this cancer type is increasing, luckily, BCC skin cancer is not among the aggressive skin cancers. 

BCC can appear on the skin in different ways. Like, a shiny, skin-colored bump that could be translucent. This phenomenon is more likely to appear in people with fair skin. Similarly, on people of color, the lesion may appear as a pigment.

Other presentations include red patches, open sores (rodent bite ulcer) and scars that are slightly elevated or have rolled edges. 

We are lucky to be living in an age where there is a massive medical revolution leading to treatments that has a potential for cure for many diseases. The same is true for skin cancer. 

There are a lot of options through which different skin cancers can be treated. Considering the depth, size, type, and location of a lesion, a doctor may choose the following options:

• Freezing (cryotherapy)
• Electrodessication and curettage
• Photodynamic therapy
• Excision 
• Mohs surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy

Sun rays are essential to human life. The Sun gives us Vitamin D, which is necessary to absorb calcium and other vital nutrients. But excessive exposure to the Sun can also harm. Starting from simple sunburns, this can go to the extreme, i.e., creating Skin Cancer! 

It is necessary to protect yourself and your loved ones from the “ugly” side of the Sun and its UV rays. For this, 

1. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. We recommend reapplication every 2 hours and after swimming or heavy sweating.
2. Avoid departing from your house or any shelter during peak hours.
3. Wear wide brimmed hat and protective clothing like full sleeves shirts. 
4. Avoid contact with UV emitting rays like tanning lamps, tanning beds, etc.

Also, it is important to self-examine your skin. Once a month, have a thorough look at your body. Look for any changes to your skin, such as changes in your pre-existing moles, birthmarks, new bumps, non-healing sores, etc., seek assistance from your doctor as soon as you can. DO NOT IGNORE ANY UNUSUAL CHANGES!