Understanding the Different Types of Skin Cancer

One thing all skin cancers have in common is that an early diagnosis offers the most favorable outcome. While the symptoms and treatments among skin cancers vary, knowing what to look for and when to consult a dermatologist is essential to your recovery.

At Lone Star State Dermatology Clinic in Live Oak, Texas, Jean-Denis Boucher, MD, and our team provide comprehensive care, from initial diagnosis through complete treatment, for patients with skin cancer. 

What to know about skin cancer

Skin cancer is pervasive; approximately 1 in 5 Americans is affected by age 70. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, from the sun or tanning beds, is the primary culprit.

Key types of skin cancer

Skin cancer originates from the abnormal, uncontrolled proliferation of skin cells. The type of cancer reflects the cells where the growth begins. There are four major classifications: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma.

Basal cell carcinoma

This type of cancer, the most common form, develops in the basal cells, situated in the outermost layer of the skin. It frequently appears on areas heavily exposed to the sun, such as the face, scalp, ears, neck, shoulders, and back.

It may present as a pearly or waxy bump, or as a flat lesion that’s brown, flesh-colored, and resembles a scar. Another common presentation is a sore that bleeds, scabs over, and appears to heal, only to reappear repeatedly.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma often develops in the same sun-exposed regions as basal cell carcinoma, but it begins in the skin's squamous cells. It may manifest as a firm, reddish nodule or a flat lesion with a rough, scaly, and crusted surface. 

Like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma can appear as a patch or sore that doesn’t heal.

Melanoma

Melanoma originates in the melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. It can emerge within an existing mole or develop on otherwise healthy skin.

While men commonly find it on the face or torso, it frequently presents on the lower legs of women. Although often associated with sun exposure, it can appear anywhere on the body, even in areas rarely exposed to UV radiation.

The ABCDE criteria for a mole summarize the key warning signs:

• Asymmetry: One half doesn't match the other
• Border irregularity: Edges are ragged, notched, or blurred
• Color changes: Variations in shade, including black, brown, tan, blue, or red
• Diameter: Larger than a quarter inch (about the size of a pencil eraser)
• Evolving: The spot changes in size, shape, or color

Merkel cell carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but aggressive type of cancer that originates in the Merkel cells near the skin's surface. It's usually found in sun-exposed areas and often looks like a firm, painless bump that may be blue, red, flesh-colored, or purple. 

It can grow quickly, sometimes reaching the size of a dime. Individuals over 50 or those with a weakened immune system are at an elevated risk.

Treatment

The type of cancer determines the treatment. For suspected basal or squamous cell carcinoma, we perform a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. If cancer is confirmed, we surgically remove the entire lesion.

Lesions suspicious for melanoma or Merkel cell carcinoma are also excised and thoroughly examined by a pathologist. Depending on the diagnosis, we may remove one or more lymph nodes to see if the cancer has metastasized (spread). 

This analysis dictates the subsequent treatment plan, which could range from no further treatment if the tumor is localized to more aggressive options like chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy.

Call Lone Star State Dermatology Clinic today or request an appointment online for expert skin cancer guidance.