Skin Cancer 101: Types, Warning Signs, and When to See a Dermatologist
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with more than 5 million cases diagnosed each year. While it’s highly treatable when caught early, skin cancer can become dangerous if left untreated. Understanding the different types of skin cancer, recognizing the early warning signs, and knowing when to seek medical attention can help protect your health and potentially save your life. In this post, we’ll break down the most common types of skin cancer, the key symptoms to watch for, and how to protect your skin from harmful UV damage.
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer develops when abnormal skin cells grow uncontrollably, often as a result of DNA damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. When the body is unable to repair this damage, the abnormal cells multiply and form tumors, which can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Skin cancer is categorized into three main types:
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) – Most common and least dangerous.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) – Second most common, with a higher potential to spread.
Melanoma – Less common but more aggressive and potentially life-threatening.Best Laser Treatments for Acne Scars
Types of Skin Cancer
1. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of all cases. It originates in the basal cells, which are found in the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis).
Symptoms:
• Flesh-colored, pearly, or waxy bump
• A sore that doesn’t heal or keeps reopening
• A reddish, scaly patch of skin
• A scar-like area with a white or yellowish tone
Risk Factors:
• Prolonged sun exposure
• Fair skin
• Tanning bed use
Treatment: BCC is highly treatable when detected early. Treatments include surgical excision, Mohs surgery (layer-by-layer removal), or topical medications.
2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer, developing in the squamous cells that make up the middle and outer layers of the skin. While it’s more likely than BCC to spread to other parts of the body, it’s still very treatable when caught early.
Symptoms:
• A firm red nodule or bump
• A flat sore with a scaly crust
• A rough or wart-like lesion
• An open sore that bleeds or crusts over
Risk Factors:
• Chronic sun exposure
• History of sunburns
• Fair skin and light hair
Treatment: SCC is usually treated with surgical excision, Mohs surgery, cryotherapy (freezing), or radiation therapy.
3. Melanoma
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer because it can spread (metastasize) quickly to other parts of the body. It forms in the melanocytes, which are the cells that produce melanin (skin pigment). Melanoma is less common than BCC and SCC but causes the majority of skin cancer-related deaths.
Symptoms:
• A new mole or a change in an existing mole
• An irregularly shaped mole with uneven color
• A mole larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
• A mole that itches, bleeds, or becomes painful
Risk Factors:
• Fair skin and light eyes
• Family history of melanoma
• Intense, intermittent sun exposure
• Having many moles or atypical moles
Treatment: Early-stage melanoma is treated with surgical removal. Advanced melanoma may require immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or chemotherapy.
How to Spot Skin Cancer: The ABCDE Rule
A helpful way to remember the warning signs of melanoma is the ABCDE Rule:
A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other half.
B – Border: Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges.
C – Color: Color variations (shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue).
D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm or growing in size.
E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or new symptoms (itching, bleeding).
If you notice these signs, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist immediately.
When to See a Dermatologist
You should see a dermatologist if you experience:
✅ A new or changing mole
✅ A sore that doesn’t heal after 2–3 weeks
✅ Persistent itching, tenderness, or bleeding in a mole or lesion
✅ A spot that grows rapidly or changes color
✅ A rough, scaly patch of skin that doesn’t go away
High-Risk Groups:
• Fair-skinned individuals
• Those with a history of sunburns
• People with a family history of skin cancer
• Individuals who use tanning beds regularly
How to Prevent Skin Cancer
Protecting your skin from UV radiation is the best way to prevent skin cancer. Here’s how:
Wear Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, even on cloudy days.
Wear Protective Clothing: Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and UPF-rated clothing provide extra protection.
Avoid Peak Sun Hours: Stay out of direct sunlight between 10 AM and 4 PM.
Avoid Tanning Beds: Artificial UV rays are just as harmful as natural sunlight.
Get Regular Skin Checks: See a dermatologist for a full-body skin exam at least once a year.
Common Myths About Skin Cancer
❌ Myth: Only people with fair skin get skin cancer.
✅ Truth: Skin cancer can affect people of all skin tones, although fair-skinned individuals are at higher risk.
❌ Myth: You don’t need sunscreen on cloudy days.
✅ Truth: Up to 80% of UV rays penetrate through clouds.
❌ Myth: Skin cancer only develops in areas exposed to the sun.
✅ Truth: Skin cancer can appear anywhere, including under nails, on the soles of your feet, and in your mouth.
Treatment Options for Skin Cancer
Treatment depends on the type, size, and stage of the skin cancer. Common treatments include:
• Surgical Excision: Removing the tumor and surrounding tissue.
• Mohs Surgery: Layer-by-layer removal of cancerous tissue with immediate examination under a microscope.
• Cryotherapy: Freezing cancer cells with liquid nitrogen.
• Radiation Therapy: Targeted radiation to kill cancer cells.
• Topical Medications: Creams and gels to treat superficial skin cancers.
Final Thoughts
Skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early, but prevention and early detection are key. By understanding the different types of skin cancer, recognizing warning signs, and practicing good sun protection habits, you can reduce your risk and maintain healthy skin. If you notice any suspicious changes in your skin, don’t wait — schedule an appointment with a dermatologist today.
Your skin is your body’s largest organ — take care of it!
