Overview

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, affecting millions of people  each year. The predominant types of skin cancer are basal carcinoma, squamous carcinoma, and melanoma, although rarer types of skin cancer also exist.

Cancer is made of changed cells that grow out of control. The changed (abnormal) cells often grow to form a lump or mass called a tumor. Cancer cells can also grow into (invade) nearby areas. And they can spread to other parts of the body. This is called metastasis.

The majority of skin cancers are preventable and treatable. Recognizing telltale signs and symptoms can help more people recognize skin cancer in its earlier stages so they can get the necessary treatment.

What are the symptoms of various types of skin   cancer?

Skin cancer symptoms can vary depending on the type of skin cancer and its location on the skin. Below are general descriptions of the various symptoms associated with specific skin cancer types.

Recognizing telltale signs and symptoms can help more people detect and treat early-stage skin cancer. Regular skin examinations for new or unusual growths (changes in size, shape or color) or existing spots are the key to the detection and treatment of skin cancer.

Melanoma

Changes in size, shape, color, height or spot on the skin or new symptoms like bleeding, itching or crusts can be a warning sign of melanoma. Changes in moles or freckles are a sign of a type of skin cancer called melanoma. Melanomas can be found anywhere on the body, especially around the eyes.

In people with darker skin tones, melanoma tends to appear on the palms, soles and feet. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, people with black skin are more likely to find lesions on body parts which have little or no exposure to the sun. With darker skin, the lesions are darker and the changes more pronounced. 

Squamous cell carcinoma

It usually occurs in sun-exposed parts of the body. This cancer can occur on any sun-exposed skin surface, such as the face, neck or scalp. 

Signs of squamous cell carcinoma include: 

•  A firm, red nodule.
•  A scaly or crusty lesion with irregular borders.
•  Painful or itchy skin lesion.
•  Tiny, rhinoceros-shaped horn growing from your.
•  skin Brown spot that looks like an age spot.

Basal cell carcinoma

is the most common type of skin cancer. About 75 out of every 100 non melanoma skin cancers (75%) are BCCs. They develop from basal cells and these are found in the deepest part of the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis).

Basal cell carcinoma has several different appearances. It can look like a:

• An open sore that bleeds, oozes, or crusts and remains open for several weeks.
• A reddish, raised patch or irritated area that may crust or itch, but rarely hurts.
• A shiny pink, red, pearly white, or translucent bump.
• A pink growth with an elevated border and crusted central indentation.
• A scar-like, white, yellow, or waxy area, often with a poorly defined border.

What are the risk factors for skin cancer?

A risk factor is anything that may increase your chance of having a disease. The exact cause of someone’s cancer may not be known. But risk factors can make it more likely for a person to have cancer.

The most common risk factors for nonmelanoma skin cancer include:

• Greater amount of time spent in the sun
• The use of tanning booths and sunlamps
• Certain features, such as fair skin, light hair (red or blond), and green, blue, or gray eyes
• Lots of freckles
• Personal history of skin cancer or precancer
• Older age
• Weakened immune system
• Exposure to large amounts of arsenic
• Past radiation treatment
• Scars, burns, or inflamed skin
• Smoking

How is skin cancer treated?

Your treatment choices depend on how large the skin cancer is, where it is, and what stage it is. If you are diagnosed with skin cancer, you may have multiple options for treatment.

skin cancer may be treated with:

• Surgery
• Creams applied to the area
• Chemotherapy 
• Targeted therapy
• Radiations therapy
• Photodynamic therapy
• Immunotherapy

Ask your doctor to explain the stages of your cancer in an understandable way. If your cancer is at a stage, they can talk to you about what this stage means for your treatment.

Takeaway

The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Receiving a diagnosis early will improve the outlook, regardless of the type.

You usually have surgery to treat skin cancer, but you might have another treatment. This depends on where your skin cancer is, how big it is and your general health. 

You and your doctor will review any suspicious skin markings or changes in the way your skin looks. Talk to your doctor about bumps, spots, or other marks that may appear on your skin. This includes whether you notice any skin characteristics, whether they are present and what other symptoms you have.