Characteristics of the three main types of skin cancer

Basal cell carcinoma (or erosive ulcer), squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma are the three main types of skin cancer, all of which are found in the epidermis, which is located on the surface of the skin. Therefore, the surface layer of the skin is the first part to be attacked by skin cancer.

All three types of skin cancer can be caused by overexposure to sunlight, because ultraviolet rays from the sun can damage the genetic properties of skin cells, causing precancerous changes in the surface layer of the skin and further growth of cancer cells.

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, affecting more men than women, and the incidence rate increases with age. If basal cell carcinoma is not treated early, it can cause local tissue erosion, but its cancer cells will not spread to other parts of the body.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma, also known as dermoid carcinoma, mainly starts in the skin covered by squamous epithelium. Squamous cell carcinoma develops quickly and causes great damage. If not properly treated, it will spread to other parts of the body and even cause systemic metastasis.

Malignant melanoma

Malignant melanoma is the rarest of the three types mentioned above. It usually develops from existing moles on the human body and is a cancer of melanocytes. It is the most serious type of skin cancer and spreads rapidly once it occurs. If it can be detected early and treated appropriately, its cure rate is about 75%.