Types and Description of Skin Cancer
Nonmelanoma skin cancer
Squamous cell carcinoma (or squamous cell carcinoma) develops in the middle layers of the epidermis and accounts for 20% of all cases of skin cancer.
Usually appears in areas that have been exposed to the sun, like the top of the nose, ears, forehead, lip and back of hands.
You can also occur in areas of skin that have been in contact with chemicals, which have undergone radiotherapy, or have been burned. In the genital area, appears less frequently.
Generally tend to have a hard red bump. Sometimes it may look, scaly, or bleed and develop a scab that never heals. As will having enlarged nodular and sometimes presents a warty surface. In the end, it becomes an open sore and grows into the underlying tissue.
Through the lymph system can extend to any part of the body, although this rarely happens. It is a tumor with a tendency to grow and fall in the same place, once removed. But it tends to spread.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of nonmelanoma skin cancer. About 75% of all cancers of the skin are basal cell carcinomas.
It affects the lowest layer of the epidermis, composed of basal cells. And usually occurs in areas that have been exposed to the sun, like the head and neck.
It grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body so it is less aggressive than squamous cell carcinoma. Although not for that we must stop treating it as if nothing is done, over time, be extended to the surrounding tissues.
It looks like this is a minor bump with a smooth and shiny appearance. But it can also take the form of scar, still firm to the touch. Usually develops slowly although the rate varies from one to another.
It is not uncommon to reappear once the person has been treated. 35% to 50% of those diagnosed will develop a new skin cancer within five years from first diagnosis.