Major Types of Skin Cancer
There are three major types of skin cancer;
- basal cell carcinoma,
- squamous cell carcinoma,
- malignant melanoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma: Basal cell carcinoma generally occurs in sun-exposed parts of people’s body, like neck or face.
Basal cell carcinoma sign and symptoms can be;
- A off-white or waxy bump
- A flat, pinky-colored or brown scar-like lesion
Squamous cell carcinoma: Usually, squamous cell carcinoma occurs on sun-exposed parts of body, like hand, ears and face. People who have darker skin are more probable to develop squamous cell carcinoma on parts that aren't regularly exposed to the sun.
Squamous cell carcinoma sign and symptoms may be:
- A reddish nodule
- A flat lesion with a squamous, crusty surface
Malignant Melanoma: Malignant melanoma can develop anywhere on people body, in otherwise normal skin or in an existing mole that becomes cancerous. Malignant melanoma usually appears on the face or the body of men. In women usually develops on the lower legs. Malignant melanoma can occur on skin that hasn't been exposed to the sun.
People with any skin tone can have melanoma cancer. Malignant melanoma tends to occur under the fingernails or toenails or on the palms or soles, in people with darker skin tones.
Malignant Melanoma signs and symptoms include:
- A large brownish spot with darker speckles
- A mole that changes in size, color or feel or that bleeds
- A small lesion with an abnormal border and portions that appear white, red, blue or blue-black
- Dark lesions on the palms, soles, fingertips or toes, or on mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, vagina or anus.