The Three Major Types of Skin Cancer and The Signs Of Skin Cancer

There are three types of skin cancer that a person can be diagnosed with. Each type ranges in mortality rates, look and feel of the cancer itself, and the way the cancer must be treated. Do not ever try to diagnose skin cancer yourself - always see a health professional for a diagnosis before you seek treatment for skin cancer.

The most common type of skin cancer is known as basal cell carcinoma. This is the type of cancer that forms very slowly and is not at any risk of spreading. Because of its relatively inert nature, basal cell carcinoma also has the lowest mortality rate of all of the different forms of skin cancer.  Furthermore, it is also the easiest to remove.

The second most serious of the different types of skin cancer is called squamous cell carcinoma. While not as inert as basal cell carcinoma, this type of cancer is also slow growing although it can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated for lengthy periods of time. However, despite the risk involved, it is one of the easier types to cure, and often requires only a quick blast with liquid nitrogen or a hot knife removal. Larger or more invasive types of this cancer should be removed with surgery.

Finally, the most dangerous type of skin cancer is known as malignant melanoma. This is a highly deadly form of skin cancer and is known to be able to spread throughout the entire body if left untreated. It grows and spreads quickly and should be treated as soon as possible. Surgery is often required, as it is highly important that all of the cancer be removed from the body in order to reduce the risk of spreading into other types of skin cancer and various forms of lymphoma.