3 Types of Skin Cancer

What are the Most Common 3 Types of Skin Cancer?

There are currently 3 types of skin cancer that are recognized by health care providers around the world. These types of cancer range from the relatively benign to extremely dangerous and possibly life threatening. Currently, there is no real rhyme or reason as to why one type of cancer would manifest itself over the others, but it seems that all are related to prolonged exposure to the ultraviolet rays from the sun.

The least dangerous form of skin cancer is known as basal cell carcinoma. This type of cancer develops primarily on people with fair skin who cannot easily tan. While it should be treated as quickly as possible, it is normally not life threatening and will not usually spread to other parts of the body. Typically, this type of cancer will look like a translucent bump or a smooth, pearly bump.

The second most dangerous of the 3 types of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. This type of cancer can occur on any part of the body and is usually marked by a firm, red bump with a scaly feel. While it can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated, squamous cell carcinoma can easily be treated if it is caught early enough. Look for it to pop up on places that are always exposed to the sun, such as the nose, the lips, and the hands.

The last variety of skin cancer is malignant melanoma. This is the most deadly type of skin cancer and is also the most likely to spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. It may masquerade itself as a simple mole, but may eventually change in size and shape as the cancer begins to spread. Of the 3 types of skin cancer, this is the one that you should always be on the lookout for, as it can occur nearly anywhere on the body.