Types of skin cancer

There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma.

Skin cancers are named after the type of cell they develop in, and each type has different features.

The two most common types of skin cancer are BCC and SCC. They are also known as non-melanoma skin cancers. Melanoma is the least common of the three, but the most serious.

 

 

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

 

BCC is the most common and least dangerous form of skin cancer. It is most common in people aged over 40 but can also develop in younger people.

 

Features of BCC:

• slow growing
• usually develops on the head, neck and upper body, but sometimes on
  arms and legs
• looks like a lump or scaling area, which is red or pearly in colour
• may ulcerate, bleeds easily and does not heal.

BCC doesn't usually spread to other parts of the body. However, if it isn't caught early, it may grow deeper into the skin and damage nearby tissue. This may make treatment more difficult and increase the chance of the skin cancer coming back.

 

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

SCC often appears on parts of the body that are most exposed to the sun. It is most common in people aged over 50, but can develop in younger people.

 

Features of SCC:

• grows quickly over several months
• usually appears on the head, neck, hands and forearms and sometimes develops on the upper body or the legs
• appears as a thickened red, scaly spots, which ulcerates or bleeds easily
• can look like a sore that hasn't healed.

SCC is not as dangerous as melanoma, but can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. An SCC on the lips and ears has a high risk of spreading, so if you have a spot on your lips or ears, see your GP immediately.

 

Melanoma

Melanoma is the least common but most dangerous form of skin cancer. It can be fatal if not detected and treated early.

 

 

Features of melanoma:

• normally noticed over several weeks or months rather than days
• appears as a new spot, or an existing spot, freckle or mole that changes in size, shape or colour
• may have an uneven or smudgy outline or surface, and be more than one colour (blotchy with brown, black, blue, red, white or light grey colour)
• may itch, bleed or becomes larger or irregular in shape
• can grow anywhere on the body (even parts of the body rarely exposed to the sun).

If treated early, 95% of melanomas are cured.

 

Nodular melanoma

Nodular melanoma is a highly dangerous form of melanoma, because it grows more quickly in depth than other types of melanoma and can life threatening if not detected and removed quickly.

 

Features of nodular melanoma:

• grows quickly, in some cases becoming life threatening in 6-8 weeks
• usually appears as a new small round lump on the skin, which may be black, brown, pink or red in colour.

 

Other spots to watch for

Dysplastic naevi are moles that have an irregular shape and have an uneven colour. People with many dysplastic naevi are more likely to develop melanoma. If you have these moles, you should regularly check for any changes and look for new spots on the skin. If you notice any changes, you should see your doctor immediately.

 

Solar keratoses (sunspots) usually occur in people aged over 40.

 

 

Features of solar keratoses:

• appear on the head, neck, arms and legs
• usually flattish, scaly patches
• may be pale or red, and may sting if scratched
• may develop into squamous cell cancers.