Do you know the different types of skin cancer?

Neither did I know that the 3 types of skin cancers most common are highly curable when detected early and treated properly.

I’m a 20 year survivor of stage 3 squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common type, and at this time of my life, my hearts desire is to spread the word about Awareness of Skin Cancer.

The information on the different skin cancer types that you will see below shows various forms of skin cancer as it has already progressed. Some skin cancers grow slower and some do spread rapidly.

Everyone should learn how to do a Self Skin Exam and know what to be looking for. Recognizing the Warning Signs and doing a self exam can help prevent the growth of skin cancer.

The 3 types of skin cancer most commonly found are:

• Malignant Melanoma.

Out of all skin cancer types found in the United States, Basal Cell Skin Cancer is THE most common. It rarely spreads and grows slowly. It is generally not considered serious and is quite curable with early detection and proper treatment.

See your Doctor or dermatologist right away.


Squamous Cell Skin Cancer is the next most common. It can spread to vital organs within the body making it more serious.

It also grows slowly and can be hard to notice in the early stages. Screening is required to detect it early, then it is highly curable.

If you are over the age of 50 you should be screened on a regular basis for skin cancer.

Always consult with your Doctor if you see anything unusual or suspicious happening on your skin.

Malignant Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer and it may spread quickly to internal organs.

Melanoma skin cancer ranks at the bottom of these 3 types of skin cancers.

It also can be hard to detect in the early stages.

The good news is that melanoma is also highly curable WITH early detection and proper treatment.

See the Prognosis for Melanoma

Rare types of skin cancer

• Merkel Cell Carcinoma is one of the aggressive skin cancer types.

It occurs in mostly Caucasians over the age of 50. There are roughly 1500 cases found per year in the United States. It’s about 40 times less common than melanoma.

It usually occurs on parts of the skin that are exposed more to the sun. It’s a firm flesh colored to red or blue bump. It grows rapidly and the overlaying skin breaks down.

It has the potential to be deadly and requires prompt and aggressive treatment.

• Kaposi’s Sarcoma is caused by the herpesvirus.

It shows up as patches of abnormal tissue growing under the skin. It shows as red or purple and is made up of cancer cells and blood cells. It can be painful and cause serious problems.

It can also become life threatening when lesions occur in the lungs, liver or digestive tract. It can cause internal bleeding and if it has spread to the lungs can make breathing hard.



• Sabaceous Gland Carcinoma is one of the rarest, aggressive types of skin cancer.

It appears as a hard small rounded mass or lump (nodule) and is painless. It occurs mostly on the eyelid but can develop anywhere.

There is a significant tendency for it to reoccur locally and also metastasize in other areas of the body. It is most often found in women over 70 years of age and is often misdiagnosed as a benign condition.

If you find anything at all like this developing on your eyelid or anywhere, get it checked out and to avoid misdiagnoses get at least one more opinion.

• Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans is a type of tumor that is extremely rare and begins as a knot or lump in the skin.

It rarely spreads and grows slowly. It usually affects men and women alike from age 20 to 40.

It is most effectively treated with Mohs surgery. It has a high recurrence rate and a very low chance of spreading.

Learn to do a Self Skin Exam and teach all in your family to do the same.

DON’T PUT IT OFF ONE DAY!

I'm adding lots of useful information to this site. You might want to know about what is the best Treatment For Skin Cancer for you, about The Types of Alternative Medicine Available or Sunscreen Facts.

Also accustom yourself to wear Sun Protective Clothing and Sun Protection Hats and there's so much more to know about.

Please come back.

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Basal cell skin cancer
Squamous cell carcinoma
Malignant melanoma
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Remember to Always Use Safety In The Sun