The abnormal growth of cancerous cells in the skin results in the development of skin cancer. It is a common type of cancer that occurs due to many reasons. Overexposure to sun rays and radiation are a few of the several causes of skin cancer. There are three different types of skin cancer: squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and basal cell carcinoma.
The risk of contracting skin cancer can be reduced by avoiding exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Checking your skin for suspicious changes can help detect skin cancer at its earliest stage. Early detection of skin cancer gives you the highest chance for successful skin cancer treatment.
1. What are the symptoms of skin cancer
The symptoms and signs of skin cancer depend on the different types of skin cancer in different individuals. Few of the common symptoms include:
- Pink skin growths or lesions
- A reddish patch of skin that may itch but is not painful
- The appearance of a shiny pearly, red, or translucent bump
- A waxy area with a poorly defined border, resembling a scar
- Open sores
- Wart-like growths
- Painful lesions that burn
- Presence of a mole that changes color and size
2. What are the types of skin cancer
There are mainly four types of skin cancer, including:
- Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that occurs in the basal cells. The basal cells are a type of cell in the skin layer that produces new skin cells. Basal cell carcinoma arises most often on areas that are exposed to the sun rays and radiations. - Melanoma
This is the most severe types of skin cancers. It develops in the melanocytes that produce melanin pigment in the body. Melanin governs the color of the skin. It can also form in the eyes and, infrequently, in internal organs, such as the intestines. - Nonmelanoma skin cancer
The different types of skin cancers that affect the skin cells, apart from melanin-producing cells, are collectively known as non-melanoma skin cancer. The treatment of this condition mainly depends on the nature of cancer and its symptoms. - Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin
Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is a common form of skin cancer that advances in the squamous cells. These cells make up the middle and outer layers of the skin. This cancer isn’t life-threatening but is aggressive. If left untreated, these cancer cells can affect the neighboring cells, which may turn fatal.
3. What is the difference between skin cancer and warts?
Warts are the eruptions of the skin due to the infection of human papillomavirus. But skin cancer occurs due to abnormal growth of tumor cells in different parts of the skin. The different types of skin cancer have various symptoms and effects on the body, unlike warts. Non-melanoma skin cancers result in the formation of warts.
Thus, warts are non-cancerous growths on the skin caused by the infection of a virus. Skin cancer is more severe than warts. Although they might look similar, skin cancer and warts are very dissimilar in their effects on the skin.
