There are three most common types of skin cancer, known as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. They are categorized as follows:
Basal Cell Carcinoma
is the least dangerous, but the most pervasive, type of skin cancer, although it can grow and spread quickly by gnawing away at neighboring cells and tissue as it expands, causing a sore or ulceration that may eventually pose a significant threat. When this cancer mutates and spreads, it usually becomes increasingly aggressive, growing and spreading more rapidly, and causing more severe damage, which may necessitate a more complicated treatment later on if not treated in time. This cancer usually appears and begins to develop slowly in the area of the scalp, face, neck, and ears, and may affect the chest, shoulders, arms and hands. Basal cell carcinoma accounts for approximately 75% of all cases of skin cancer.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
accounts for an estimated 20% of all cases of skin cancer, and is typically less dangerous than melanoma, but pose a dangerous threat to neighboring tissue if left untreated and it can migrate to other areas of the body. Squamous cell carcinoma typically presents a far more severe threat when it affects areas with mucous membranes, including the lips, eyelids, nostrils, sexual organs, or rectum.
Melanoma
is the most aggressive form of skin cancer and can spread to other organs and body parts, for instance, the lungs, liver, lymphatic system, and brain. Although melanoma represents a mere 5% of all skin cancers, melanoma accounts for an alarming 75% of deaths resulting from skin cancer. Melanoma typically appears as a dark spot or lesion with rough edges, that begins to grow noticeably or changes color.