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Types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, sebaceous gland carcinoma, and more
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with 1 in 5 Americans developing skin cancer by the age of 70. There are several types of skin cancer:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
- Melanoma
- Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC)
- Sebaceous gland carcinoma
- Dermatofibroma protuberans (DFSP)
- Kaposi sarcoma (KS)
7 types of skin cancer
1. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It develops in the basal layer of the epidermis (top layer of the skin) and is often linked to DNA damage from sun exposure. BCC typically does not spread to other parts of the body. BCC may develop on the face, head, and neck and can present with a wide variety of symptoms. It often appears as open sores, red patches, shiny bumps, or white or yellow-looking splotches.
2. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
DNA damage from the sun is the principal cause of squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common type of skin cancer. It develops in the top layer of the skin but can also grow into the inner layers of the dermis. Like BCC, SCC appears on sun-exposed regions of the body, such as the face, lips, ears, scalp, neck, shoulders, lower arms, and hands. However, it can also appear in other regions, such as the genitals. It may appear as scaly red patches, mole-like bumps, or open sores that itch or bleed.
3. Melanoma
Melanoma forms in the melanocytes, cells that produce melanin and give skin its color. The upper back is the most affected site in men, and the legs are the most affected site in women. Melanoma is the most severe type of skin cancer because it can spread to different parts of the body. Signs include moles that change in shape, size, or texture.
4. Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC)
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare type of skin cancer that can spread quickly and often recurs, making it one of the most deadly cancers. MCC most commonly develops on the head or neck and appears as firm and painless pink, red, or purple bumps. Like other skin cancers, MCC is linked to sun exposure.
5. Sebaceous gland carcinoma
Sebaceous carcinoma develops in the oil glands and appears as a painless, round, and shiny bump that is pink or yellowish. It can develop in any area of the body, but is most commonly found on the eyelid. Although the cause for this type of skin cancer is still unknown, people with a weak immune system are at higher risk.
6. Dermatofibroma protuberans (DFSP)
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare and slow-developing soft tissue sarcoma that forms in the deep layers of the skin. The main symptom may be a rosy, brown-colored patch of raised skin that resembles a scar, and over course of time, develops lumps inside it. DFSP is generally found on the arms, legs, and abdominal region.
7. Kaposi sarcoma (KS)
Kaposi sarcoma (KS) appears as lesions on the skin (commonly on the face or legs) or in mucus membranes, for example, inside the mouth. KS is a vascular neoplasm caused by the herpesvirus 8 (HHV8). When on the skin, KS appears as red or purple flat patches or a raised plaque. The most widely recognized type of KS is linked to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
What are risk factors for skin cancer?
Skin cancer can affect anyone, but people with certain characteristics are at greater risk:
- Ethnicity (fair skin and blue or green eyes)
- Skin type (skin that burns, freckles, and reddens easily)
- Frequent sunburns
- Moles
- Family history of skin cancer
- History of skin cancer
- Advanced age
Can skin cancer be prevented?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following to protect the skin from skin cancers:
- Avoid going outdoors during the daytime or when the sun is up.
- Wear protective gear such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved clothing.
- Use sunscreen, regardless of ethnicity, skin color, or age. Sunscreen should be waterproof if you are swimming reapplied as needed. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher.
- Avoid tanning booths and tanning creams.
- Treat sunburns promptly.
- Visit a dermatologist regularly and get new moles screened.
