Melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
There are three major types of skin cancers: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. The first two skin cancers are grouped together as non-melanoma skin cancers. Other unusual types of skin cancer include Merkel cell tumors and dermatofibrosarcoma protruberans. Here are the basics on skin cancers: 1  The vast majority of skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas and squamous cells carcinomas. 2  While malignant, these are unlikely to spread to other parts of the body The Warning Signs of Skin Cancer. Skin cancers -- including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma -- often start as changes to your skin. They can be new growths or precancerous lesions -- changes that are not cancer but could become cancer over time. An estimated 40% to 50% of fair-skinned people who live to be 65 will develop at least one skin cancer. Learn to spot the early warning signs. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It usually occurs on areas of the skin that have been in the sun, most often the nose. Often this cancer appears as a raised bump that looks smooth and pearly. Another type looks like a scar and is flat and firm and may be white, yellow, or waxy. Squamous cell carcinoma occurs on areas of the skin that have been in the sun, such as the ears, lower lip, and the back of the hands. Squamous cell carcinoma may also appear on areas of the skin that have been burned or exposed to chemicals or radiation. Often this cancer appears as a firm red bump. Basal Cell Carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. In most cases it appears on skin that gets a lot of sun, such as the face, scalp, neck, hands, and arms. BCC generally is a skin bump or growth that is pearly or waxy and is normally flesh colored or light pink. Actinic keratosis (AK) is the most common type of precancerous skin lesion. An AK is evidence that sun damage has occurred and that the individual is at greater risk of developing skin cancer. Bowen disease is also called squamous cell carcinoma in situ.. It is a type of skin cancer that spreads outward on the surface of the skin. By contrast, invasive squamous cell carcinomas can grow inward and spread to the interior of the body. They can be new growths or precancerous lesions -- changes that are not cancer but could become cancer over time. An estimated 40% to 50% of fair-skinned people who live to be 65 will develop at least one skin cancer. Learn to spot the early warning signs. Some of the most common types of precancerous lesions are: Acitinic Keratosis is the most common type of precancerous lesion. They usually appear in areas of the body that have been exposed to the sun. These lesions often appear as red or flesh colored scaly areas or could look similar to a wart.  The most common types are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, which are nonmelanoma skin cancers. Nonmelanoma skin cancers rarely spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma is the rarest form of skin cancer. It is more likely to invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. Squamous cell carcinoma occurs on areas of the skin that have been in the sun, such as the ears, lower lip, and the back of the hands. Squamous cell carcinoma may also appear on areas of the skin that have been burned or exposed to chemicals or radiation. Often this cancer appears as a firm red bump. The warning signs of skin cancer. Like many cancers, skin cancers – including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma – start as precancerous lesions. These precancerous lesions are changes in skin that are not cancer but could become cancer over time Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer and accounts for approximately 25% of all skin cancers. This form of skin cancer arises in the squamous cells that make up most of the skin’s upper layers (epidermis). Actinic keratosis (AK) is the most common type of precancerous skin lesion. An AK is evidence that sun damage has occurred and that the individual is at greater risk of developing skin cancer.
http://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/melanoma-guide/skin-cancer http://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/ss/slideshow-skin-lesions-and-cancer http://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/skin-treatment-pdq http://patricianorris.com/skin-cancer-and-pre-skin-cancer/ http://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/ss/slideshow-skin-lesions-and-cancer http://www.healthcentral.com/skin-cancer/c/1443/162407/precancerous-lesions/ http://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/skin-treatment-pdq http://www.webmd.boots.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/ss/slideshow-precancerous-skin-lesions-and-skin-cancer http://patricianorris.com/skin-cancer-and-pre-skin-cancer/
types of precancerous skin cancer