SKIN CANCER
Overview of Common Types of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer develops when abnormal skin cells grow in an uncontrolled manner. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation and cumulative sun exposure are major causes of many skin cancers, although risk factors and biologic behavior vary among different types.
Skin cancer varies widely in appearance, growth pattern, aggressiveness, and risk of spread. Many skin cancers are highly treatable when detected early, while delayed diagnosis can lead to more extensive disease and treatment.
The three major types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma.
HOW SKIN CANCER IS EVALUATED
Clinical examination and dermoscopy help identify lesions that are suspicious for skin cancer, but definitive diagnosis requires microscopic examination of tissue.
A biopsy is the procedure used to obtain all or part of a suspicious lesion. The specimen is then sent to a pathology laboratory, where it is processed and examined microscopically by a pathologist or dermatopathologist.
The pathology report establishes the tissue diagnosis and provides information used to guide further management.
COMMON TYPES OF SKIN CANCER
BASAL CELL CARCINOMA (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It typically develops on sun-exposed areas such as the face, scalp, ears, neck, and upper trunk.
BCC is usually slow-growing and rarely spreads to distant organs, but it can become locally invasive and destructive when left untreated.
π Learn more about Basal Cell Carcinoma
SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma commonly develops on chronically sun-exposed skin, although it can also arise in areas of chronic inflammation, injury, or scarring.
SCC has a greater potential than BCC to invade deeper tissues and spread to lymph nodes or other sites, making timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment important.
π Learn more about Squamous Cell Carcinoma
MELANOMA
Melanoma develops from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells of the skin. It is less common than BCC and SCC but carries a greater risk of spreading to lymph nodes and internal organs.
Melanoma may develop within an existing mole or appear as a new pigmented or non-pigmented lesion. Early diagnosis is particularly important because prognosis is strongly related to the stage and depth of the tumor at diagnosis.
π Learn more about Melanoma
FROM DIAGNOSIS TO TREATMENT
Once skin cancer is confirmed by pathology, treatment planning is based on the type of skin cancer, histopathologic findings, size, depth, location, margins, and other tumor-specific risk factors.
Treatment differs substantially among basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Some skin cancers can be treated with office-based surgical procedures, while others require specialized surgical or oncologic management.
The individual skin cancer pages provide additional information about the clinical behavior and management of each type.
WHEN TO SEEK EVALUATION
Skin lesions deserve medical evaluation when you notice:
- A new or changing mole or skin growth
- A sore that does not heal
- A lesion that repeatedly bleeds, crusts, or scabs
- Persistent scaling, thickening, or ulceration
- A lesion that looks different from surrounding lesions or changes its behavior over time
Not every suspicious lesion is skin cancer. Clinical evaluation determines which lesions can be observed and which require tissue diagnosis.
Schedule a Skin Cancer Evaluation
New, changing, non-healing, or otherwise concerning skin lesions should be medically evaluated.
π Call (847) 518-9999 to schedule a dermatology evaluation.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not
replace individualized medical evaluation. Treatment recommendations depend
on clinical findings, diagnostic requirements, and patient-specific factors.
Outcomes may vary, and no specific medical result can be guaranteed.
Learn More About