What is the most aggressive skin cancer?

Melanoma has its beginnings in melanocytes, the skin cells that produce the dark, protective pigment called melanin which makes the skin tan. Melanoma is the most deadly of all the skin cancers and affects over 44,000 Americans each year.

What does a skin cancer look like in its early stages?

Basal cell carcinoma starts with the appearance of slightly transparent bumps, but they may also show through other symptoms. In the beginning, a basal cell carcinoma resembles a small bump, similar to a flesh-colored mole or a pimple. The abnormal growths can also look dark, shiny pink, or scaly red in some cases.

What are the 5 types of skin cancer?

Common types of skin cancer include:

• Basal cell carcinoma. Of the more than 3 million cases of skin cancer diagnosed every year, more than 80 percent are basal cell carcinoma, according to the American Cancer Society.
• Recurrent basal cell carcinoma.
• Squamous cell carcinoma.
• Melanoma.
• Merkel cell carcinoma.
• Rare skin cancers.

Which is worse basal cell or squamous cell cancer?

Though not as common as basal cell (about one million new cases a year), squamous cell is more serious because it is likely to spread (metastasize). Treated early, the cure rate is over 90%, but metastases occur in 1%–5% of cases. After it has metastasized, it’s very difficult to treat.

How to identify types of skin cancer?

How to Identify Types of Skin Cancer Learn the signs of all types of skin cancer. You can remember them by remembering the letters, ABCDE. Look for color variations on the mole. This is what the letter “C” stands for. Determine the type of skin cancer. Look at the color and location of the cancer. Check the back of your hands, ears, and the lower lip. Check your moles.

What is the best kind of skin cancer?

The prognosis for nonmelanoma skin cancer is generally excellent. Both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are highly curable. There are virtually no deaths from basal cell carcinoma and only rare deaths with squamous cell carcinoma skin cancers, mostly in immunosuppressed individuals.

What are the various types of skin cancer?

There are three main types of skin cancers: basal-cell skin cancer ( BCC ), squamous-cell skin cancer ( SCC ) and melanoma. The first two, along with a number of less common skin cancers, are known as nonmelanoma skin cancer ( NMSC ).

What are the different names for skin cancer?

The two most common types are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (the names come from the type of cells in which the cancer begins). They usually form on the head, face, neck, hands, and arms. Another type of skin cancer, melanoma, is less common than the others, but far more dangerous — even deadly.