When cells divide uncontrollably with a lack of any mechanisms to keep that growth in check, the condition that develops is known as cancer. The uncontrolled growth of cancer cells in the skin leads to skin cancer. Cancer can usually spread to other parts of the body if it is not controlled in the earlier stages. In the country, 1 in every 5 people in the population is known to be affected by some type of skin cancer in their lifetime.

When it comes to skin cancer, each of them has a distinct appearance that can be really helpful to identify the condition in the earlier stages to prevent complications. Based on the origin of cancer, it is divided into three different types of skin cancer: Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, and Melanoma. These different types of skin cancer appear in the following way:

Basal Cell Carcinoma

This condition is known to be the most common type of skin cancer. In addition to that, this usually occurs in people with fair complexion. Basal cell carcinoma develops as a round growth with flesh color or a patch of skin in a pinkish color. It could grow to look like a bump resembling a pearl. When individuals are prone to sun exposure for long periods continually over the years or go through indoor tanning quite often, the accumulated effect of these events over the years could lead to this cancer. These bumps usually develop on the arms, neck, and head. They can also affect other parts of the body such as legs, abdomen, and chest.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

If the skin cancer originates in the squamous skin cells, then the consequent condition would be known as squamous cell carcinoma. While cancer is most likely to develop in people with a fair complexion, people with darker skin colors are also prone to this type of cancer. One can experience a scaly patch, a recurring sore which reopens after healing, a firm bump in red color, etc. Frequent sun exposure is known to be one of the major causes of this condition. It can start on various parts of the body such as the neck, face, arms, ear, back, and chest.

Melanoma

This type of cancer is known to be the most dangerous type of skin cancer as it is capable of affecting other organs of the body. 73% of the deaths occured in the country can be attributed to this type of skin cancer. The origin of this condition can take place within a mole that is already present on the skin or also develop out of nowhere in the form of a dark spot on the skin which would have a different appearance from the rest. The spots which develop because of melanoma have some distinguishing features when compared to the normal moles. These can be detected using the ABCDE warning signs which represent the asymmetrical shape, border irregularities, colors that fade into another through the length of the patch or bump, diameter above 6mm, and the evolving size of the bump.

Make sure you consult a dermatologist when you find these signs of different types of skin cancer.