Types of Skin Cancer: A Complete Guide
There are several types of skin cancer, each with different characteristics, risk levels, and treatment approaches. The three most common types account for over 99% of all skin cancers.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
BCC is the most common skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It grows slowly and rarely spreads to other organs, but can cause significant local tissue damage if untreated. It typically appears as a pearly or waxy bump, a flat flesh-colored lesion, or a bleeding sore that heals and recurs. BCC almost always occurs on sun-exposed skin - especially the face, head, and neck.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
SCC is the second most common at about 15-20% of skin cancers. It appears as a firm red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface. SCC is more aggressive than BCC - about 2-5% metastasize, primarily to regional lymph nodes. Risk factors for aggressive SCC include location on the lip or ear, size over 2cm, and immunosuppression.
Melanoma
Melanoma accounts for about 1% of skin cancers but causes the most deaths because it spreads aggressively. It develops from melanocytes and can appear anywhere on the body. The 5-year survival rate is 99% at stage I but drops to about 35% at stage IV. The ABCDE rule is the standard screening method.
Merkel cell carcinoma
Rare but very aggressive, appearing as a firm, painless, fast-growing bump that is flesh-colored, bluish-red, or purple. Often on the face, head, or neck. More common in elderly and immunosuppressed individuals.
Other rare types
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a slow-growing dermal tumor. Kaposi sarcoma causes purplish lesions in immunocompromised individuals. Sebaceous carcinoma arises from oil glands, often on the eyelid. Angiosarcoma develops from blood vessel cells.
Precancerous conditions
Actinic keratosis is the most common precancer - rough, scaly patches on sun-damaged skin. About 5-10% progress to SCC. Bowen's disease is SCC in situ (confined to the epidermis). Dysplastic nevi are atypical moles with higher melanoma risk.
Risk factors across all types
UV exposure is the primary risk factor. Fair skin, light eyes, red or blonde hair increase risk. History of blistering sunburns in childhood. Immunosuppression dramatically increases risk. Family history of skin cancer. Having more than 50 moles increases melanoma risk specifically.
Know your risk. Use our free ABCDE checker to evaluate any suspicious mole.
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