Types of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is divided into two forms, melanoma and non-melanoma. The non-melanoma forms of skin cancer are usually composed of Basal Cell Carcinoma and the Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
Most skin cancer types are basal and Squamous cell carcinomas. Of the almost 1 million diagnosed skin cancer cases each year, 75% are Basal Cell Carcinoma. They slowly and painlessly form on the epidermis and may easily bleed and not heal well. While these may not metastasis to other organs, their uncontrolled local growth may be disfiguring if left untreated.

By contrast, Squamous Cell Carcinoma forms in the middle layer of the skin and are often seen on patients 50 years and older. They grow faster then Basal Cell Carcinoma and often harmfully spread to other vital organs. It has a rough appearance and a scaly reddish patch and easily bleeds.

Dysplastic nevi are abnormal moles which, while are not cancer, may have the propensity to turn into melanoma. Melanomas are the most dangerous type of skin cancer. They form in the cells that produce melanin, the skin pigment and can spread very quickly. Most deaths from skin cancer are caused by melanomas.