Types of Skin Cancer

BLACK SKIN CANCER IS NOT THE ONLY TYPE OF SKIN CANCER

Actually, there are three main types of skin cancer: Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Malignant Melanoma

All skin cancers can be attributed to excessive UV radiation

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is contrary to popular belief the most common skin tumor. It occurs predominantly in those areas of skin that for the most part remain uncovered and that particularly exposed to the sun. These places are also called the sun terraces of the body. Basal cell carcinoma looks like a small gray white knot, which is often described by patients as "pimples." Basal cell carcinoma does not have a so-called initial state – a precursor. The first small change is already a cancerous tumor that should be removed.

Squamous-Cell Carcinoma (SCC or SqCC)

The squamous cell carcinoma, also known as squamous or squamous cell carcinoma, often forms on the face, ears, lower lip, and on the back of the hand. When squamous cell cancer is present, there is a preliminary stage, the solar keratosis, which is a redness that feels like sandpaper.

In advanced stages, it usually forms a fibrous knot.

Malignant Melanoma

Malignant melanoma - black skin cancer - is by far the most malignant skin tumor. It often forms secondary tumors (metastases) in other organs. Unlike the squamous cell carcinoma, this is due to full exposure of UV rays received over many years. Responsible for malignant melanoma are short, intense UV exposure, such as sunburns suffered during childhood or adolescence. The number of melanoma patients is currently doubling every seven years. In Germany alone, about 7000 new cases are diagnosed every year and every about 2000 people die this disease. Malignant melanomas can at a first glance look like harmless pigmentation lesions. In a comprehensive skin examination, malignant melanoma is recognized quickly. The lesions appear in about 80 percent in those places of the body that are normally covered with clothing.