Understanding Types Of Skin Cancer And How To Spot Them

Written By Emma Sturgis / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers, but it can be hard to tell between the different types and potentially harmful. Knowing the differences between these conditions will allow you to spot them sooner and act before they become a bigger problem.

Therefore, it is important to know skin cancer and what to look out for if you suspect you might have one. This article will examine the different types of skin cancer that exist and how they can be identified.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

This type of cancer is one of the most common benign skin cancers. It is considered slow-growing cancer as it tends to grow slowly, usually taking around two to three years to progress, and can potentially be cured.

Basal Cell Carcinoma is also easy to spot as it will appear in the shape of a dome or coin on the skin surface. The color can vary from flat white to red, and it is frequently found on the face, shoulders, and hands. If left untreated, they can become swollen, inflamed, and ulcerous.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Squamous cell carcinoma is a common type of skin cancer. It occurs on the epidermal (outer layer) and is very similar to basal cell carcinoma in many ways. It can be challenging to distinguish between a squamous cell carcinoma and a basal cell carcinoma, as the two can look similar under the microscope.

It can be spotted as a change in the skin and will appear to be an ulcer that has developed and does not heal. Squamous cell carcinoma can be a more serious type of cancer than basal cell carcinoma and generally needs appropriate skin cancer treatments.

Melanoma

Melanoma is considered by many to be one of the most dangerous types of skin cancer. It can appear in any color but is most commonly black or brown. It can also appear on the surfaces of the mouth, nose, groin, and armpits.

It can be deadly if left untreated, as it can spread quickly to other areas of the body. Melanoma is among the most malignant types of skin cancer and is extremely hard to detect early enough to treat effectively.

Knowing what type of skin cancer you have is vital as it will allow you to act, which could mean a life saved. Understanding the differences between the different types of skin cancer and what they are can help you spot them early on in the development process and get treatment as soon as possible, which could be a lifesaver.

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Written By:

Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer based out of Boston, Mass. She writes most often on health and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading and watching film noir. Say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com. 

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash