Cancer can develop in the cells of the skin and so skin cancers are named after the type of cell from which they start.
Basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer are the two most common types of skin cancer. They are sometimes called non-melanoma skin cancer because they don't develop from melanocytic cells.
Basal cell cancer (BCC)
|
 70-85% of all skin cancers
Most common in people aged over 40
Slow growing
Red, pale or pearly in colour
Usually appear on the head, neck and upper body
Can grow deeper into the skin |
Squamous cell cancer (SCC)
|
15-20% of all skin cancers
Most common in people aged over 50
Faster growing
Thickened red, scaly spot
Usually appear on the head, neck, hands and forearms
Can spread to other parts of the body |
Melanoma
|
5% of skin cancer cases
The most serious, but can be treated successfully when diagnosed early
New spot, or existing freckle or mole may change in size, shape or colour
Irregular edge or surface, blotchy with brown, black, blue, red, white or light grey colour. May itch or bleed |
Other spots
Other spots that aren't skin cancers can also appear. They are warning signs that your skin has received too much sun and you may be more prone to melanoma. |
Solar keratoses (sun spots)
|
Usually occur in people aged over 40
Appear on areas of skin exposed to the sun, such as the head, neck, arms and legs
Flattish, red scaly patches that may sting if scratched. |
Dysplastic naevi
|
Flat, fairly large moles
Have an irregular shape and an uneven colour |
