Skin cancer is a condition caused due to frequent exposure of the skin to UV rays in the sunlight and can be prevented by reapplying sunscreen if one is out in the sun for long and wearing proper clothing. The three major types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The different types of skin cancer are categorized depending upon various factors, and this article explains these further:
- Actinic keratosis
Individuals with fair skin, blond, or red hair are more often affected by this type, wherein frequent exposure to sunlight develops rough, scaly, red or pink patches on the skin. Although harmless in the beginning, these patches are considered to be precancerous and might develop into squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated.
These patches often appear on body parts that are frequently exposed to the sun, like the nose, arms, neck, and head, but they can also be found on other parts of the body. In the case of long-lasting allergies or rough skin patches, a dermatologist must be consulted for quick recovery. - Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma mostly affects fair-skinned people and is a type of cancer that is easily treatable. A common type among the different types of skin cancer, it affects the parts of skin that face frequent exposure to sunlight. The growth of cancer cells begins in the deepest layer of the epidermis (outer layer of the skin), in the basal cells. It is difficult to be identified in the beginning, but one may notice a difference in the appearance and texture of the skin once the infection begins to spread. This type of cancer rarely spreads to other parts of the body due to its slow growth rate, but it can turn dangerous if left untreated. - Squamous cell carcinoma
This type begins with the skin looking sore or developing a red bump that looks dry and scaly. This type of skin cancer commonly affects people with darker skin on parts of the skin that aren’t exposed to the sun. Squamous cell carcinoma is a result of frequent exposure to severe sunlight with UV rays and is the second most common type among the different types of skin cancer. It is difficult to cure if it spreads to the nearby tissues, bones, and lymph nodes, but a early diagnosis can prevent severe complications. - Melanoma
Melanoma is caused due to the infection in the melanocytes, the cells which produce a substance called melanin that gives the skin its color. Melanin acts as a protective sheet to prevent skin damage caused by UV rays in the sunlight or by tanning beds and lamps.
The most severe and dangerous type of skin cancer, melanoma can be cured if diagnosed in the early stages. However, it spreads rapidly to other body parts if left untreated, and treating melanoma is difficult at the later stages and can also lead to death.
