Skin Cancer

There are several types of skin cancer, but more than 95 percent of cases of skin cancer are one of three types, including basal cell cancer of the skin (BCC), squamous cell cancer of the skin (cSCC or cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma), or melanoma (also called malignant melanoma).
Basal cell cancer is the most common type of skin cancer, often occurring on sun-exposed areas, such as the face. It presents as a raised, colorless lesion that spreads and ulcerates as it grows.

The second most common type of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which also tends to occur on sun-exposed skin. Unlike BCC, patients with cSCC will have a scaly, flat plaque, or a firm papule that enlarges and occasionally bleeds. Basal cell cancer is the most common type of skin cancer, often occurring on sun-exposed areas, such as the face. It presents as a raised, colorless lesion that spreads and ulcerates as it grows.

The third most common type of skin cancer is melanoma, which is the most serious cancer of the three. This usually arises within moles because it is a cancer of the melanocytes, which concentrate in moles. It is often seen on sun-exposed areas, particularly the back and legs. It can spread to other body areas and can cause death at a much higher rate than BCC or cSCC. It can rarely be seen in hidden areas, such as the eyes, intestinal tract, and oral cavity.