Skin Cancer

CancerGuru Types of Cancer Skin

Overview

Skin cancer develops when changes in skin cells affect their growth, often due to ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. Signs include new bumps or patches on the skin or changes in the size, shape, or color of existing growths. When detected early, most cases can be treated. Treatment options include Mohs surgery, cryotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiation.

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer happens when abnormal cells grow in your skin. Normally, old skin cells die, and new ones take their place. But sometimes, this process goes wrong, often due to too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. When that happens, cells grow too fast. Some of these cells are harmless (benign), while others are cancerous.

If not caught early, skin cancer can spread to other parts of the body. The good news is that most cases can be treated successfully if found early. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor if you notice any signs of skin cancer.

Types of Skin Cancer

Non-melanoma skin cancer includes two main types:

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

These cancers are named after the skin cells where they begin. Some cases may be a mix of both types.

Non-melanoma skin cancer is different from melanoma, which often starts in a mole. This could be an existing mole or a new one that appears on the skin.

BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, making up about 75% of non-melanoma skin cancers. It starts in the basal cells, which are found in the deepest layer of the skin’s outer surface (epidermis).

BCCs usually appear on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, back, or lower legs. They are most common among middle-aged or older adults. Doctors sometimes refer to them as rodent ulcers.

There are several types of BCC, each with different appearances and behaviors:

Nodular BCC (The most common type)
Superficial BCC
Morphoeic (Sclerosing/Infiltrating) BCC
Pigmented BCC

BCCs rarely spread to other parts of the body, but having one increases the risk of developing another.

SCC tends to grow faster than BCC, making up about 23% of skin cancers. It starts in keratinocytes, the cells found in the epidermis.

SCCs often develop in sun-exposed areas like the head, neck, hands, and forearms. They can also appear on scars, old burns, or long-standing wounds. While they don’t usually spread, they can invade deeper layers of skin or, in rare cases, reach lymph nodes and other parts of the body.

There are several rare types of non-melanoma skin cancer, each requiring different treatments:

Merkel Cell Carcinoma – A rare cancer treated with surgery, radiotherapy, or both. It may return to the same area or spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
Sebaceous Gland Cancer – Affects the oil-producing glands in the skin. Surgery is the usual treatment.
Kaposi’s Sarcoma – A cancer that starts in blood vessel lining cells. It’s often linked to HIV but can occur in anyone. Treatment may involve surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy.
T-cell lymphoma of the Skin (Primary Cutaneous Lymphoma) – A type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects the skin. Treatment varies based on the specific type.

Bowen’s Disease

Bowen’s disease is an early, slow-growing form of non-melanoma skin cancer. It appears as a small red, scaly patch that may be itchy, usually on sun-exposed areas like the head, neck, or lower legs. It can also develop in moist areas like the mouth or genital region.

If left untreated, Bowen’s disease may turn into squamous cell carcinoma.

Risk Factors

Tanning is your skin’s natural reaction to ultraviolet (UV) light, essentially, it’s a defense mechanism to help protect against further sun damage. But it's important to know that tanning does not protect you from skin cancer.

While UV exposure, whether from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds is the biggest risk factor, several other things can raise your chances of developing skin cancer:

Family history is one of the reasons. If skin cancer runs in your family, your risk is higher. People with fair skin, especially those of Northern European descent, are particularly vulnerable.
Having many moles or atypical (unusual) moles
Exposure to certain chemicals, like coal tar or arsenic compounds
Living at higher elevations, where UV rays are more intense due to a thinner atmosphere
Living near the equator, where the sun’s rays are strongest

Frequent X-ray exposure
Old scars or burns
Weakened immune system, such as after an organ transplant
Men are generally at higher risk.
Risk increases with age.
A past diagnosis increases future risk
Rare inherited conditions, like basal cell nevus syndrome (Gorlin syndrome) or xeroderma pigmentosum (XP)
Smoking is especially linked to squamous cell carcinoma on the lips.

Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer

The most common sign of skin cancer is a noticeable change on your skin, like a new spot or a change in an existing mole. Here are some things to watch for:

A new mole, or a mole that starts to grow, change shape or color, or begins to bleed
A small bump that looks shiny, pearly, or waxy, often found on the face, ears, or neck
A flat spot or bump that’s pink, red, or brown

A patch of skin that looks scarred for no reason
A crusty sore has a dip in the center or bleeds often
A wound that doesn’t heal, or one that heals and comes back again
A rough or scaly spot that may itch, bleed, or form a crust

What Does Skin Cancer Look Like?

Skin cancer can look different depending on the type, but the ABCDE rule can help you spot warning signs in moles:

A – Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other
B – Border: Edges are uneven, blurred, or jagged
C – Color: More than one color in the mole (like brown, black, red, or white)
D – Diameter: Bigger than a pencil eraser (6 mm)
E – Evolving: Changing in size, shape, or color—this is often the most important clue

If something on your skin looks unusual or is changing, it's a good idea to show it to a doctor. They might refer you to a dermatologist for a closer look.

Causes

The biggest cause of skin cancer is too much sun exposure, especially sunburn that leads to peeling or blisters. The sun’s UV rays can damage the DNA in your skin cells, which can lead to cells growing out of control and causing cancer.

Who’s at Risk?

Skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of race or gender. But some people have a higher risk than others.

Before age 50, it’s more common in women
After 50, it’s more common in men
It's about 30 times more common in non-Hispanic white people compared to non-Hispanic Black people or those of Asian or Pacific Islander background
People with darker skin tones often get diagnosed later, making treatment more difficult

Other Risk Factors

You may be more likely to get skin cancer if you:

Spend a lot of time in the sun for work or fun
Burn easily or have a history of bad sunburns
Live in sunny places or at high elevations
Use tanning beds
Have light eyes, blond or red hair, and fair or freckled skin
Have lots of moles or unusual-looking moles
Have actinic keratosis (rough, scaly patches that can lead to skin cancer)

Have family members who’ve had skin cancer
Have family members who’ve had skin cancer
Had an organ transplant
Take medications that weaken your immune system
Have had UV light treatments for skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis

Diagnosis

First, a dermatologist may ask if you’ve noticed any changes in your moles, freckles, or other spots on your skin, or if you’ve found any new growths. Then, they’ll carefully check your entire body, including your scalp, ears, hands, feet, between your toes, around your genitals, and between your buttocks.

Tests Used to Diagnose Skin Cancer

If the doctor thinks something might be skin cancer, they’ll likely do a biopsy. This means they’ll take a small sample of skin and send it to a lab. A pathologist will look at it under a microscope. Your dermatologist will explain if the spot is cancer, what type it is, and what treatment options are available.

Stages of Skin Cancer

Cancer staging shows how far the cancer has spread in the body. Skin cancer stages range from 0 to IV (4). In general, the higher the stage, the more advanced the cancer and the harder it is to treat. Melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers have different staging systems.

Melanoma Stages:

Stage 0 (Melanoma in situ): The cancer is only in the top layer of the skin.
Stage I: Early-stage melanoma that hasn’t spread. It’s usually treatable with surgery.
Stage II: A bit more advanced and has features that suggest it might return, but it hasn’t spread yet.
Stage III: The melanoma has spread to nearby lymph nodes or nearby skin.
Stage IV: The melanoma has spread to distant lymph nodes, skin, or internal organs.

Non-Melanoma Stages (Basal or Squamous Cell Skin Cancers):

Stage 0: Cancer is only in the top layer of the skin.
Stage I: Cancer is in the upper and middle layers of the skin.
Stage II: Cancer is deeper and may affect nearby nerves or deeper skin layers.
Stage III: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, or brain.

Treatments

Surgery is the most common way to treat skin cancer, but some people may need other treatments too. What’s best for you depends on where the cancer is, how big it is, how deep it goes, and your overall health.

Surgery

Surgery is the main treatment. The type of surgery depends on the size, depth, and location of the cancer.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays (like X-rays) to kill cancer cells. It’s often used for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Chemotherapy Cream

This is a special cream that contains cancer-fighting drugs. It can be used to treat certain skin cancers on the surface of the skin.

Imiquimod Cream (Aldara)

This cream helps your body’s immune system attack cancer. It’s usually used for early skin cancers or pre-cancerous spots.

Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy

These treatments help your immune system find and destroy cancer cells. They may be used for more advanced or hard-to-treat skin cancers.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT):

PDT uses a light-sensitive drug and a special light to kill cancer cells. It’s often used for small or surface-level skin cancers.

Follow-Up After Treatment

After your treatment, you’ll have regular check-ups. These help your doctor make sure the cancer hasn’t come back and keep an eye on your skin health.

Side Effects of Treatment

Cancer treatments are designed to remove cancer, shrink tumors, and stop them from coming back. But while they aim to help, they can also affect the body in other ways. Knowing what to expect can make it easier to manage side effects and get the right support.

Fatigue: This is one of the most common side effects. It’s not the usual tired feeling, it’s deeper and more persistent. Any type of treatment can cause it.
Pain: Pain may come from the tumor itself, surgery, or other treatments.

Low Blood Counts: Chemo can lower red and white blood cells, raising your risk for infections and anemia.
Nausea and Vomiting: These are common, but doctors have ways to manage them so your treatment can continue with fewer disruptions.
Peripheral Neuropathy: This can cause tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands and feet due to nerve damage from chemo.

Your care team should provide a detailed guide to the side effects you might face with your specific treatment.

Immunotherapy helps your immune system fight cancer, but it can also overreact. Side effects may include:

Skin rashes
Inflammation of the colon (colitis)

These treatments usually have fewer side effects, but some people may experience:

Headaches
High blood pressure

Sleep Problems: Pain, stress, or medications can make it hard to sleep.
Regional Chemotherapy Effects: This type of chemo is given directly to a specific area and may cause inflammation. You might need to stay in the hospital a bit longer until it goes down.
Heart Health and Cancer Treatment (Cardio-Oncology): Some cancer treatments can affect your heart, especially drugs and radiation near the chest. Cardio-oncology is a growing field that focuses on preventing and treating heart issues in people who have had cancer. Special heart doctors (cardio-oncologists) monitor and support your heart health during and after treatment.

Support

Being diagnosed with skin cancer can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. Support is available at every step, from diagnosis to treatment and recovery. Knowing where to turn can make a big difference in how you cope, both physically and emotionally.

Emotional and Mental Health Support

A cancer diagnosis can bring up feelings like fear, sadness, anger, or anxiety. Talking to a counselor, psychologist, or social worker who specializes in cancer care can help you process these emotions. Support groups, both in-person and online, allow you to connect with others going through similar experiences.

Medical and Treatment Support

Your care team, including dermatologists, oncologists, nurses, and specialists, will guide you through treatment. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about your diagnosis, treatment options, or side effects. The more you understand, the more confident you’ll feel in making decisions.

Practical Support

Skin cancer treatment may impact your daily life. You might need help with transportation, work arrangements, or managing finances. Social workers or patient navigators can help you find resources for:
• Transportation to appointments • Insurance or financial assistance • Home care services • Legal rights at work

Lifestyle and Recovery Support

After treatment, you might want guidance on how to take care of your skin, stay safe in the sun, or adjust to changes in your appearance. Specialists like dermatologists or plastic surgeons can help. Nutritionists, physical therapists, and wellness programs can support your overall recovery.

Family and Caregiver Support

Caregivers need support, too. Watching a loved one go through cancer can be stressful. Many centers offer counseling, education, and support groups for family members and caregivers to help them cope and stay strong.

Where to Find Help

• Cancer centers and hospitals often have support staff on-site.
• Nonprofit organizations like the American Cancer Society and Skin Cancer Foundation provide free resources and helplines.
• Online communities offer 24/7 support, education, and a safe space to share.
• Getting support isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a smart step in managing your care and recovery. Reaching out can help you feel more in control and less alone.

Research

Ongoing research continues to improve how we detect, treat, and prevent skin cancer. Thanks to advances in science and medicine, doctors now have more tools than ever to help patients live longer, healthier lives.

Early Detection and Diagnosis

Researchers are working on better ways to spot skin cancer early—when it’s easiest to treat. New imaging tools and diagnostic techniques, like advanced skin scanners and artificial intelligence, can help doctors identify suspicious spots faster and more accurately.

Better Treatments

Studies are exploring how to make skin cancer treatments more effective with fewer side effects. These include:

New surgical techniques to remove cancer while preserving healthy skin
Targeted therapies that focus on cancer cells without harming normal cells
Immunotherapy, which helps your immune system fight cancer
Topical treatments and creams that treat early-stage cancers without surgery

Personalized Medicine

No two skin cancers are the same. Scientists are studying the genetics behind skin cancer to develop treatments that are tailored to each patient. This personalized approach may lead to better results and fewer side effects.

Prevention Research

Prevention is key. Researchers are studying how sun exposure, genetics, and lifestyle affect your risk. They’re also developing better sunscreens and protective products. Education campaigns based on this research help people understand how to protect their skin and catch changes early.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials test new treatments and offer patients access to the latest medical advances. These studies help doctors learn what works best and are an important part of improving care. If you're interested, your doctor can help you find out if a trial is right for you.

Long-Term Care and Survivorship

As more people survive skin cancer, researchers are focusing on quality of life after treatment. This includes managing side effects, lowering the risk of cancer coming back, and helping patients with emotional and physical recovery.

Staying Informed

If you’re living with skin cancer or have survived it, staying up to date with the latest research can help you feel more confident in your care. Trusted websites, medical journals, and your healthcare team are great sources of reliable information.

Prevention

Protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays is one of the most effective ways to lower your risk of skin cancer. UV rays can do damage even when you least expect it, they pass through clouds, reflect off surfaces like snow, water, and sand, and can even reach you through windows. Sun damage also builds up over time, even during quick outdoor activities like walking the dog or getting the mail.

Here are some tips to help protect your skin every day:

Stay in the shade, when possible, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is strongest.
Try not to get sunburned. Even one sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer.
Avoid tanning and never use tanning beds.
Wear protective clothing, long sleeves, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses that block UV rays.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (protects against both UVA and UVB rays) with SPF 30 or higher every day.
If you’re spending more time outdoors or swimming, use water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher.
Apply about 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every 2 hours, or sooner if you’re sweating or swimming.
Keep newborns out of direct sunlight. For babies over 6 months, use sunscreen.
Check your skin from head to toe once a month. Look for any new spots or changes.
Visit a dermatologist once a year for a full skin exam.

Questions to Ask your Healthcare Provider about Skin Cancer

If you’ve been diagnosed with basal or squamous cell skin cancer, having clear, open conversations with your doctor can make a big difference. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, no matter how small they may seem. Here are some helpful questions to guide your discussion:

Understanding your diagnosis and the plan ahead is key. These questions can help guide the conversation with your care team:

Q1. What type of skin cancer do I have?
Q2. Can you explain the differences between the types of skin cancer?
Q3. Has the cancer grown deep into the skin or spread anywhere else?
Q4. Will I need more tests before deciding on a treatment?
Q5. Do we need to find out the cancer stage or risk level?
Q6. Are there other things that might affect my treatment choices?
Q7. Should I see any other specialists?
Q8. Who can help me if I have concerns about cost or insurance?

As you begin treatment, daily routines and side effects become a concern. Ask your doctor:

Q1. How much experience do you have with treating this type of cancer?
Q2. What are my treatment options? Which one do you suggest, and why?
Q3. Will surgery alone be enough?
Q4. What will treatment involve, and where will it take place?
Q5. What side effects or risks should I know about?
Q6. Will I have a scar afterward? How big might it be?
Q7. How soon do I need to make a treatment decision?
Q8. What can I do to prepare for treatment?

Once treatment finishes, follow-up and life after cancer become the focus. Here’s what to ask:

Q1. What are the chances of the cancer coming back?
Q2. If it returns, what would the next steps be?
Q3. Am I at risk of getting another skin cancer in the future?
Q4. Should I take extra steps to protect myself from the sun?
Q5. What kind of follow-up care will I need?
Q6. How will we know if the cancer comes back? What should I look out for?
Q7. Is skin cancer something my family should be worried about? What should I tell them?