Table of Contents
- Types of Skin Cancer at a Glance
- What are the main types of skin cancer?
- Basal Cell Skin Cancer
- Squamous Cell Skin Cancer
- Melanoma
- Merkel Cell Skin Cancer
- Other Rare Types of Skin Cancer
- How do providers diagnose the type of skin cancer?
- Why the type of skin cancer matters
- Treatment options for common skin cancers
- Ask About Image-Guided SRT Treatment
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Different Types of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer can develop in different types of skin cells, which is why there are several types of skin cancer. The most common types are basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer, and melanoma. Other less common types include Merkel cell skin cancer, Kaposi sarcoma, lymphoma of the skin, and several rare forms of skin cancer.
Understanding the type of skin cancer you have is important because each type can behave differently. Some skin cancers tend to grow slowly, while others may be more likely to spread if they are not found and treated early. A dermatologist or qualified provider can evaluate a suspicious spot and recommend the next steps based on the diagnosis.
Types of Skin Cancer at a Glance
- Basal cell skin cancer is the most common type of skin cancer.
- Squamous cell skin cancer is the second most common type of skin cancer.
- Melanoma is less common than basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer, but it can be more likely to spread.
- Merkel cell skin cancer is rare but can be serious and should be evaluated quickly.
- Other rare or less common types include Kaposi sarcoma, lymphoma of the skin, sebaceous carcinoma, adnexal basal cell skin cancer, fibroepithelioma of Pinkus, verrucous skin cancer, spindle-cell skin cancer, polypoid basal cell skin cancer, Bowen’s disease, and infiltrative basal cell skin cancer.
- The right treatment depends on the type of skin cancer, size, depth, location, whether it has spread, and your provider’s recommendation.
What are the main types of skin cancer?
The main types of skin cancer are basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer, and melanoma. Basal cell skin cancer and squamous cell skin cancer are often grouped together as nonmelanoma skin cancers. Melanoma is less common, but it can be more serious because it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body.
| Type of Skin Cancer | Where It Starts | Common Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basal Cell Skin Cancer | Basal cells in the lower part of the epidermis | Most common type of skin cancer and often grows slowly. |
| Squamous Cell Skin Cancer | Squamous cells in the upper layers of the skin | Second most common type and may grow deeper or spread if untreated. |
| Melanoma | Melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment | Less common but more likely to spread than many other skin cancers. |
| Merkel Cell Skin Cancer | Merkel cells in the skin | Rare and potentially aggressive. |
| Other Rare Skin Cancers | Different skin structures, immune cells, or related tissue types | Includes Kaposi sarcoma, lymphoma of the skin, sebaceous carcinoma, and other rare skin cancers. |
Basal Cell Skin Cancer
Basal cell skin cancer, is the most common type of skin cancer. It develops in the basal cells, which are found in the lower part of the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin.
Basal cell skin cancer often develops on areas that receive frequent sun exposure, such as the face, ears, scalp, neck, shoulders, and arms. It may appear as a shiny bump, pink or red patch, sore that does not heal, scar-like area, or a small growth with a raised or rolled border.
Basal cell skin cancers often grow slowly and are less likely to spread than some other types of skin cancer. However, they should still be evaluated and treated because they can grow deeper into nearby tissue and cause local damage if ignored.
Squamous Cell Skin Cancer
Squamous cell skin cancer, is the second most common type of skin cancer. It develops in squamous cells, which are found in the upper layers of the skin.
Squamous cell skin cancer often appears on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, lips, scalp, neck, arms, and hands. It may look like a rough or scaly patch, firm red bump, wart-like growth, open sore, or a spot that crusts, bleeds, or does not heal.
Many squamous cell skin cancers are treatable when found early. However, some can grow deeper into the skin or spread to other parts of the body, especially if they are left untreated or occur in higher-risk locations. A dermatologist can determine the right treatment based on the cancer’s size, depth, location, and other clinical factors.
Melanoma
Melanoma begins in melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment in the skin. It is less common than basal cell skin cancer and squamous cell skin cancer, but it can be more serious because it is more likely to spread if not found and treated early.
Melanoma may develop in an existing mole or appear as a new spot on the skin. Warning signs may include a mole or spot that changes in size, shape, or color, has irregular borders, contains multiple colors, bleeds, itches, or looks different from other spots on the skin.
Melanoma can also occur in areas that are not frequently exposed to the sun, including under the nails, on the soles of the feet, on the palms, or inside the mouth. Anyone who notices a new, changing, bleeding, or unusual spot should speak with a dermatologist.
Merkel Cell Skin Cancer
Merkel cell skin cancer, also called Merkel cell carcinoma, is a rare but serious type of skin cancer. It often appears as a firm, painless, fast-growing bump on the skin. The bump may be red, pink, purple, or skin-colored.
Merkel cell skin cancer is more common in older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and people with a history of significant sun exposure. Because this type of skin cancer can grow and spread quickly, it should be evaluated by a qualified provider as soon as possible.
Other Rare Types of Skin Cancer
Some skin cancers are much less common, but they can still be serious. These rare types may begin in blood vessels, oil glands, immune cells, or other skin structures. Because rare skin cancers can resemble more common skin conditions, a biopsy or professional evaluation may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
- Kaposi sarcoma: A rare type of skin cancer that is often associated with herpesvirus 8 and may appear as damaged or discolored areas on the skin, mouth, lungs, or digestive tract.
- Lymphoma of the skin: Also called cutaneous lymphoma, this is a rare type of lymphoma that affects the skin. It may appear as patches, plaques, bumps, or tumors and can sometimes resemble other skin conditions.
- Sebaceous carcinoma: A rare cancer that begins in oil glands. It often appears on or near the eyelid but can occur in other areas.
- Adnexal basal cell skin cancer: A rare form of basal cell skin cancer that begins in structures connected to the skin, such as hair follicles, sweat glands, or oil glands.
- Fibroepithelioma of Pinkus: A rare form of basal cell skin cancer that is often mistaken for other types of skin growths.
- Verrucous skin cancer: A type of squamous cell skin cancer that may appear as a wart-like growth and can involve different areas of the body.
- Spindle-cell skin cancer: A rare variant of squamous cell skin cancer that can behave more aggressively in some cases.
- Polypoid basal cell skin cancer: A rare form of basal cell skin cancer that may look different from more common basal cell skin cancers.
- Bowen’s disease: A precancerous skin disorder that is also referred to as squamous cell skin cancer in situ. This means the abnormal cells are still limited to the outer layer of the skin.
- Infiltrative basal cell skin cancer: A form of basal cell skin cancer that can grow in thin strands within the skin, making it more challenging to see and treat completely.
How do providers diagnose the type of skin cancer?
A provider may begin with a skin exam and ask about changes in the spot, symptoms, sun exposure, and medical history. If the spot looks suspicious, the provider may perform a biopsy, which involves removing a small sample of tissue for lab testing.
The biopsy helps determine whether the spot is cancerous and, if so, what type of skin cancer it is. This information helps guide the treatment plan.
Why the type of skin cancer matters
The type of skin cancer matters because treatment recommendations can vary. A small basal cell skin cancer may be treated differently than a squamous cell skin cancer in a high-risk location or a melanoma that requires additional evaluation.
Treatment planning may depend on:
- The type of skin cancer
- The size and depth of the cancer
- Where it appears on the body
- Whether it has spread
- Whether it is new or recurring
- The patient’s medical history
- The provider’s recommendation
Treatment options for common skin cancers
Treatment options for skin cancer may include excisional surgery, Mohs surgery, curettage and electrodesiccation, cryosurgery, topical therapy, radiation therapy, or other treatments. The right option depends on the type of cancer and clinical recommendation.
For eligible patients with certain basal cell skin cancers or squamous cell skin cancers, Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy, also called Image-Guided SRT, may be a non-surgical treatment option to discuss with a qualified provider. Image-Guided SRT is not used for every type of skin cancer, and eligibility depends on the diagnosis, size, depth, location, and provider recommendation.
Ask About Image-Guided SRT Treatment
If you were diagnosed with basal cell skin cancer or squamous cell skin cancer and are researching your treatment options, GentleCure can help you learn more about Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy, also called Image-Guided SRT.
Image-Guided SRT may be a surgery-free treatment option for eligible patients with certain nonmelanoma skin cancers. Treatment recommendations depend on the cancer type, size, depth, location, medical history, and provider recommendation.
To learn more, call 855-936-4411 to speak with a Skin Cancer Information Specialist. We can help explain how Image-Guided SRT works, what to expect, and how to find a participating dermatology practice near you.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Different Types of Skin Cancer
The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer, and melanoma. Basal cell skin cancer is the most common, followed by squamous cell skin cancer.
The three main types of skin cancer are basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer, and melanoma. Merkel cell skin cancer is sometimes discussed as another important type because it is rare but can be serious. Other less common types include Kaposi sarcoma, lymphoma of the skin, and sebaceous carcinoma.
Basal cell skin cancer is the most common type of skin cancer. It often grows slowly, but it should still be evaluated and treated to prevent local damage.
Melanoma is often considered one of the most serious common skin cancers because it is more likely to spread if not found and treated early. Merkel cell skin cancer is rare but potentially aggressive.
Rare or less common types of skin cancer include Kaposi sarcoma, lymphoma of the skin, sebaceous carcinoma, adnexal basal cell skin cancer, fibroepithelioma of Pinkus, verrucous skin cancer, spindle-cell skin cancer, polypoid basal cell skin cancer, Bowen’s disease, and infiltrative basal cell skin cancer.
Yes. Basal cell skin cancer and squamous cell skin cancer are commonly grouped as nonmelanoma skin cancers. They are different from melanoma because they begin in different types of skin cells.
No. Image-Guided SRT is not used for every type of skin cancer. It may be considered for eligible patients with certain nonmelanoma skin cancers, such as some basal cell skin cancers and squamous cell skin cancers. A qualified provider can determine whether it may be appropriate.
