Ailments & ConditionsYour Health

Common Skin Cancer Types

Skin cancer is a form of cancer that typically occurs in body areas that are mostly exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun. These include hands, arms, chest, and face. Some common symptoms include a suspicious spot, freckle, or mole. However, exact signs and levels of intensity can vary a lot, depending on which type of skin cancer you have. Read on to learn more about the 4 most prevalent skin cancer forms that you should know.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma occurs in the basal skin cells, which are located at the bottom of the outer skin layer, also known as the epidermis. This type can have a few different looks. These include:

– A red spot that might bleed, crust, hurt, or itch easily

– A sore that does not heat after one week

– A pinkish bump with an indented center and raised border

– A shiny growth that can be brown, black, or tan in people with dark skin and white, red, or pink in people with light skin

Basal cell carcinoma is more common in body parts that are often exposed to UV rays. Fortunately, it is simple to treat the condition. Since it grows very slowly, this type of skin cancer rarely spread to your nerves, bones, muscles, and other organs. [1]