you can find out more about the most common types by consulting a dermatologist. Nonmelanoma skin cancers are found on sun-exposed areas. These cancers may appear as flat, pink, or red areas, or as translucent, shiny, waxy patches. Sometimes, they bleed after a minor injury. Squamous cell skin cancer may be characterized by flat, reddish patches or growing lumps.
While skin cancer is caused by an abnormal proliferation of skin cells, it can develop in areas not exposed to sunlight. It’s highly treatable when caught early. There are three types of skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. The types of cancers are described below. While basal cell carcinoma develops below the surface of the skin, squamous cell carcinoma develops in the outer layer of skin. Melanoma affects melanocytes, which produce melanin in response to exposure to sunlight. Merkel cell carcinoma damages cells beneath the surface of the skin, which give it the touch.
Skin cancer is most commonly caused by the cells in the skin. The epidermis is composed of three layers: the basal layer, the squamous layer, and the dermis. Squamous cells form the top layer of the epidermis and shed new cells all the time. Basal cells lie beneath, and are responsible for skin color. Melanoma, or skin cancer that begins in melanocytes, is the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
Melanoma is the most common type of skin cancer and is more aggressive than other types. Learn more about the different types of melanoma by visiting our melanoma disease page. Other risk factors include fair skin, blond hair, freckles, blue eyes, or immunocompromised people. Rare genetic conditions such as xeroderma pigmentosum and basal cell nevus syndrome are also associated with increased risk of developing the cancer.
People with high risk of developing skin cancer include those who live in climates with excessive sunshine, have fair skin, red or blond hair, irregular-shaped moles, and scaly skin growths. In addition, people with a family history of skin cancer or exposure to ultraviolet light therapy are also at increased risk for developing the disease. The sooner skin cancer is detected, the better the chance it has of being cured. However, the survival rate for basal cell skin cancer is still higher than that of other types of skin cancer.
Skin cancers are often diagnosed when they start to appear as lesions on the skin. Early detection of these lesions is essential to preventing further development. Early detection is also the first step in treating melanoma. UCSF dermatologists have years of experience and have an outstanding track record in treating all types of skin cancer. With advanced treatment options, patients can have the best possible chance of a full recovery and achieving excellent cosmetic results.
Early signs of skin cancer may include pre-cancerous lesions called actinic keratoses. These may appear as rough patches on the skin, but in most cases, they do not progress to melanoma. Patients who have an increased risk of developing these skin conditions should discuss the risks with their doctors. They should also discuss the screening guidelines with their providers. And, of course, if you have a family history of the disease, it is best to see a dermatologist for a routine check-up.
