There are several different types of skin cancer. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and is best treated if caught early. Melanoma is a cancer of the melanocytes, or the cells that make pigment (melanin) in the skin. Certain genes are known to increase the risk of melanoma and ultraviolet light or sun exposure has been associated with increased risk of melanoma. Pigmented lesions that are changing or growing can be of concern for the possibility of melanoma.
This type of skin cancer is the most common and the least likely to metastasize. It is a cancer of the cells along the basal layer of the skin. There are several different subtypes of basal cell carcinoma and there are several treatment options, although primarily, surgical removal is recommended if possible.
One type of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. This is a cancer of the squamous cells which are the most abundant type of cell in the epidermal layer of the skin. This type of cancer can begin without any associated symptoms and can be slow growing. It may lead to bleeding and can also occur on the lips and in the mouth.
There are several types of lymphomas that can involve the skin. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is one of the more common types of skin lymphomas. It is generally a slow growing type of lymphoma that can develop over years. There are several different treatment options for the different types of cutaneous lymphomas.
