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Skin cancer, which is also known as skin neoplasia is the most common form of human cancer, is a malignant growth on the skin that will never heal. It is a disease where the cancer cells-in the form of a visible tumor-are found on the outer layers of the skin called epidermis which is why most skin cancers detectable at the early stage. Skin Cancer is more common in the people with light colored skin. Skin Cancer refers to three different conditions, from the least to the most dangerous, they are:

1) Basal Cell Carcinoma or Basal Cell Carcinoma Epithelioma (BCC).
 
2) Squamous Cell Carcinoma or The First stage of which is called Actinic Keratosis (SCC).
 
3) Melanoma.

The two most common forms of skin cancer are Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. These two are together referred to as Nonmelanoma skin cancer.

Melanoma is generally the most serious form of skin cancer because it tends to metastasize throughout the body quickly.

Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. These cancers rarely metastasize to other parts of the body. But they can however, cause damage by growing and invading surrounding tissues, even going as deep as the bone. If not treated, it can damage the skin and cause an ulcer, known as Rodent ulcer. A small rodent ulcer may come back on the same area of the skin after treatment which is known as Local Recurrence. Mostly basal cell carcinoma develops on the exposed areas of the body like, the face, head, lips, scalp, neck, ear, back of the hands etc. Their growth rate depends on their type. This type of cancer can appear as a red patch; a pink patch, red or white bump that is shiny or pearly; a crusty, open sore that will never heal; a scar like area. Basal Cell Carcinoma may have slightly raised edges with crusty intended centre. It can also occur in places where the skin has exposure to arsenic or radiation or complications occurring in places on the skin where there are scars, burns or tattoos.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma is a slow-growing cancer but it can metastasize to the fatty tissues right beneath the skin and also to other parts of the body. So it is important to treat it as early as possible. It usually occurs on sun damaged skin especially in light skinned individuals with a long history of sun exposure. Squamous cell carcinoma generally appears as nodules; or as red, scaly patches of skin. It is typically is found on the rim of the ear, face, lips and mouth. Squamous Cell Carcinoma tends to be more aggressive than basal cell carcinomas. Squamous cell carcinomas can also occur in places where the skin has been damaged, even on parts of the body that are not exposed to the sun. These areas include burns, scars, persistent sores, and sites that have been exposed to x-rays, arsenic, or certain petroleum byproducts. Conditions that suppress the body’s immune defenses, such as HIV infection or the prolonged use of immunosuppressive drugs, may also promote the development of Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Other types of Nonmelanoma skin cancer includes:-

1. Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans.
2. Merkel Cell Carcinoma.
3. Kaposi’s sarcoma.

Melanoma is the most serious of the common types of skin cancer. It can spread rapidly to the lymph system and internal organs and can be fatal. Melanoma begins in the melanocytes, which are the cells in the epidermis that give skin its color. Melanoma may develop in a mole that is already present on the skin or may look like a new mole. Because the melanocytes produce the dark pigment melanin, melanomas are usually brown or black. However, it is possible for melanomas to have no special pigmentation and be the same color as the surrounding skin. Melanomas can occur anywhere on the body. In men, they occur most often on the chest, stomach, or back. In women, they occur most often on the lower parts of the legs. The face and neck are other common sites for melanoma in both sexes. This is a very severe cancer that can develop many years after excessive exposure to the sun and is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of Melanocytes. It may also occur due to genetic factors and immune system deficiencies. There are several types of melanoma that can be categorized based on their appearance, either with the naked eye or microscopically:

1. Superficial spreading: The most frequently observed melanoma. This form may develop in any region of the skin. Lesions are usually raised around the edges and a brown color with hints of pink, white, gray and blue.

2. Nodular type lesions: Also arise on all regions of the body and are typically black or brown in color.

3. Acral lentiginous lesions: Characterized by flat, brown or black tumors that often develop on the hands and feet.

4. Lentigo maligna melanoma: Develop on an individual’s face, distinguished by its irregular border and than to brown color.

Author: Amrita Bhattacharya