Three Types of Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer Types You Should Know

There are 3 types of skin cancer everyone should be aware of. The skin cancer types are:

• squamous cell carcinoma,
• basal cell carcinoma,
• and melanoma.

It’s important to know the difference, because there’s a difference in how life threatening each of the types is, how they look and how they’re treated.

All three skin cancer types are similar in the sense that they’re all the result of skin cells reproducing in an abnormal, out of control way as a result of exposure to radiation (most commonly UV rays from the sun or a tanning bed).

Basal Cell Carcinoma

This is the most common form of skin cancer, the least dangerous, and the most easily treated. Over 75% of skin cancer cases are basal cell carcinomas.

Although it’s relatively easy to treat and is very rarely life threatening, it’s also commonly ignored because this form of skin cancer can be mistaken for a normal sore or blemish. Keep an eye out for sores that don’t heal or scar-like blemishes that appear for no apparent reason – these may indicate you’re suffering from a basal cell carcinoma.

Also keep in mind that early treatment is important, because any three types of skin cancer left unchecked such a carcinoma can grow to the point where it becomes uncomfortable and unsightly, although it usually doesn’t spread to other body parts.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is much less common than basal cell carcinoma, and on its own it’s also relatively harmless – however, one major difference is that squamous cell carcinoma can easily spread to other parts of the body, including internal organs, and that makes it a serious problem to worry about.

Sores that don’t heal or grow continuously and rough, scaly bumps may be an indication of this disease.

Like basal cell carcinoma, it’s relatively easy to treat this form of skin cancer if it’s found early and it usually appears on exposed areas like the next and face.

Melanoma

This is the worst among the three types of skin cancer most people tend to fear, because it’s the biggest killer of the three, often referred to as “malignant skin cancer.”

It can develop anywhere on the body, not just those parts which have had the most sun exposure.

People often fail to recognize a melanoma because these growths often resemble a mole, but there are several warning signs that allow you to identify a melanoma growth.

Unusual shape, texture, size and color to a mole can all be indicators of the presence of melanoma. Like squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma can spread throughout the body to the vital organs, but it does so much faster and in a higher percentage of cases.

You should never take a risk when it comes to melanoma – if you suspect a mole may be melanoma, have it checked out by a doctor at the soonest opportunity.

Luckily, melanoma is the least common of the three skin cancers.

But! Don't get too comfortable. Protect yourself from the sun, and take all precautions to avoid any of these threee types of skin cancer.

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