Skin plays an important role in protecting the body against bacteria, water loss, and harmful conditions. When the outer layer is constantly exposed to the sun, it can cause skin cancer. Skin cancer is when cancer cells grow rapidly in the skin. The condition worsens if left untreated, cancer invades other parts of the body such as organs, tissues, lymph nodes and bones. This multiplies cells grow to form a lump called a tumour.
The different types of skin cancer are as follows.
1. Actinic Keratosis
It shows up as pink or red rough patches on the skin on areas of the body exposed to the sun. These rashes are caused due to frequent exposure to UV light in sunlight. This is a common type of pre-cancer which can further develop into squamous cell carcinoma if it is not treated on time.
2. Basal Cell Carcinoma
It is one of the different types of skin cancer. It is the most common type which often starts in the head and neck area. It is considered to be slow-growing cancer and least risky, it takes a long time to spread to other parts of the body. It can be cured easily if diagnosed early. It shows up as small pink bumps on the head, face and neck areas. There are many ways to get rid of this type of skin cancer. It mostly affects fair people who are frequently exposed to the sun. Skin cancer is not restricted to a particular age group. It can occur to anyone who is in constant exposure to UV light in sunlight.
3. Squamous Cell Carcinoma
It is the second most common type of skin cancer. Squamous Cell Carcinoma mostly affects body parts such as the neck, head, legs, hands, lips, ears, chest, upper back and arms which are constantly exposed to UV rays. This type of cancer grows slowly and spreads to lymph nodes, tissues and bones if left untreated.
4. Melanoma
Out of the different types of skin cancer melanoma is the deadliest one, which leads to death in most cases. The occurrence of melanoma is very rare when compared to Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancer begins in the skin cells or melanocytes which help in creating pigments. Melanoma cancer can be identified by the appearance of pigmentation that looks like a mole. However, these moles look different than regular moles. Some of the common shapes of melanoma moles are:
- Asymmetrical shape
When the mole appears with two different halves it is a sign of early melanoma.
- Border irregularities
Usually harmless moles have smooth and even edges. In a melanoma mole, the borders are rough and uneven. The borders are usually dented or notched.
- Color
Melanoma moles have different shades which differ between tan, brown, black, blue, red or white. Whereas a regular mole will have a single shade of black or brown.
- Diameter
Cancerous moles outgrow in size when compared to a regular mole. Dangerous moles can measure up to 1/4 inch.
- Evolving
When mole starts to spread in shape or color causing skin irritation or bleeding the condition gets serious. This means cancer has metastasized.