| Types of Skin Cancer Skin cancer is a tumour or growth that grows in the skin cells. There are two main types of skin cancer, melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). NMSC is the most common cancer in the UK. Melanoma skin cancer is less common but is more serious as it can spread to other organs very rapidly. There is a good chance that skin cancer can be cured if diagnosed and treated early. Non-melanoma Skin Cancer Each year in the UK over 67,500 people are diagnosed with NMSC. There are different types of NMSC including those described below. Basal Cell Carcinoma This is the most common form of skin cancer in people with fair skin. It's rare in people with dark skin. A basal cell carcinoma (BCC) forms from basal cells in the epidermis - usually in areas of skin that are exposed to the sun such as your head and neck. It usually grows slowly and doesn't spread to other tissues. If left untreated, a BCC will slowly grow and turn into an ulcer. If untreated, this ulcer will grow deeper into your skin and damage nearby structures, for example your nose or an ear. This is rare in the UK because most cases are treated early. Squamous Cell Carcinoma This is the second most common skin cancer. A squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) forms from squamous cells in the epidermis. It often occurs on areas that are exposed to the sun. An SCC can spread into the surrounding skin. It can also spread to other parts of the body, but this is rare. Melanoma Skin Cancer (Malignant Melanoma) Around 7,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma each year in the UK. It affects slightly more women than men. Melanoma is less common in people with dark skin. Melanoma is an overgrowth of melanocyte cells in the epidermis. These are cells that make a pigment called melanin when your skin is exposed to the sun. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer but it's curable if found early. |
 |