The form of cancer a person is suffering from can be determined by the part of the body it begins in. For instance, if the origin of cancer is in the skin cells, it is basal cancer. Conversely, if the cells that give color to the skin become cancerous, it is known as melanoma. Let’s look at the different types of skin cancer in this article:
Melanoma
One of the most serious forms of skin cancer, melanoma originates in the melanin-producing cells called melanocytes. Melanin is responsible for the color of a person’s skin. Melanoma can occur in the eyes and sometimes even inside the body, like in the throat or nose. While the cause of this type of skin cancer is not yet known, it is believed that exposure to UV rays of the sun of tanning lamps elevates a person’s risk of developing melanoma. Reducing exposure to UV rays can lower the risk of this type of cancer.
Non-melanoma cancer
This is a group of the types of cancer that originate in the cells of the skin but not in the melanin-producing cells. Various kinds of cancers fall under this category, with the most common ones being basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. The treatment of non-melanoma cancer primarily depends on the cancer type. In most cases, surgery is performed to get rid of the cancer cells.
Basal cell cancer
On the list of the different types of skin cancer, the next one is basal cell cancer, which is a type of non-melanoma cancer. It originates in the skin cells that are also known as the basal cells, which produce newer skin cells when the old cells die.
Usually, this carcinoma is seen as a transparent bump visible on the skin, but that’s not the only form of basal cell cancer. In most cases, this type of cancer occurs in the area of the skin most exposed to the sun rays, including the neck and head. To reduce the risk of basal cancer, one should avoid exposure to UV rays and apply and reapply sunscreen whenever they are out in the sun.
Squamous cell cancer
Another one among the different types of skin cancer, this originates in the squamous cells, which comprise the outer and the middle layer of the skin. Though it is not life-threatening, this type of cancer can be highly aggressive. If left untreated, it can spread to the surrounding areas and bring in grave complications. Usually, this type of skin cancer occurs as a result of perennial exposure to harmful UV rays from lamps, tanning beds, and of course, the sun. To prevent the development of this type of cancer, one should reduce their exposure to UV lights.
Squamous cells are present in multiple areas of the body, so this cancer can develop in multiple parts of the body.
