Skin cancer is a serious medical condition and requires immediate treatment for increasing the chances of successful recovery. As the skin is made of different types of cells, skin cancer also has different varieties depending on the cells it affects. The signs and treatment options vary for the different types of skin cancer. Let’s look at the types of skin cancer in detail in this article:

Basal cell carcinoma
The American Cancer Society says that over 3 million people are affected by skin cancer in the country every year, and 80% of them are diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma. The basal cell layer is the lowest area of the epidermis, where this type of cancer develops. This cancer progresses very slowly and does not often metastasizes. However, if basal cell carcinoma is left untreated, it may start to spread. Also, basal cell carcinoma has a high rate of recurrence, and many may develop it elsewhere within 5 years.

Recurrent basal cell carcinoma
Among the different types of skin cancer, recurrent basal cell carcinoma is one of the most common ones. It can either occur in the same area as the first diagnosis of the condition or affect another part of the body. The areas of the skin that are mostly exposed to the sun are the most susceptible to basal cell carcinoma, and patients should regularly check for any signs that indicate recurrent basal cell carcinoma, even after recovery. If one notices any symptoms, they must consult a doctor immediately.

Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second-most common form of skin cancer and occurs in the squamous cells. These cells are flat and make up the outer layer of the skin, which is called the epidermis. It most commonly affects the neck, face, ears, or the back of the hands as these areas are the most exposed to the sun. However, squamous cell carcinoma can affect other areas of the skin as well. This type of cancer develops slowly but can spread to other parts of the body.

Melanoma
One of the different types of skin cancer, melanoma attacks the melanocytes that are responsible for creating melanin and giving the skin its color. This pigment forms on areas of the skin exposed to the sun to protect the skin against harmful sun rays, but the cells can abnormally multiply due to cancer.

Merkel cell carcinoma
This type of skin cancer affects the Merkel cells that provide the skin with a sense of touch. It is a rare but aggressive type of cancer and can metastasize to the brain, liver, bones, or lungs.

Kaposi sarcoma, actinic keratosis, lymphoma of the skin, and keratoacanthoma are also among the different types of skin cancer.