Major Types of Skin Cancer
Non Melanoma and Malignant Melanoma Skin Cancers

The different types of skin cancer vary according to the types of cell where the malignant growth develops. There are 2 major forms of skin cancers - Non Melanomas and Melanoma.

The non-melanomas have two main types -- Basal cell and Squamous cell cancers -- and several different rare types.

What are the different types of non-melanoma skin cancers?

They include...

1. Basal Cell Carcinoma - The cancer starts in the basal cells found at the base of the outer layer called the epidermis.

It is the least serious but the most common type. In fact, majority of derma cancers diagnosed in the United States are Basal Cell Carcinoma. It grows slowly and is locally invasive -- which means it rarely spreads to the rest of the body.

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma - The tumor develops in the squamous cells located in the outermost part of the epidermis. It is more serious compared to Basal Cell Carcinoma because it grows very fast.

If you need more information on squamous cell carcinoma, see Squamous Cell Skin Cancer.

3. Merkel Cell Carcinoma

4. Cutaneous T cell lymphoma and

5. Kaposi's Sarcoma.

Non-Melanoma types are the most common types of skin cancers. They account for 96% of new cases. About 1.3 million new diagnoses in the United States each year.

They are not as aggressive and as deadly as Melanoma. Of the 96% diagnosed cases, 80% are Basal Cell Carcinomas and 16% are Squamous Cell Carcinomas.

What is malignant melanoma derma cancer?

Malignant melanoma begins in the cells called melanocytes. These cells are located between the epidermis -- the upper layer -- and the dermis -- the lower layer. Melanocytes produce melanin.

It is not common as it only comprises 4% of the total cases being diagnosed. But it is the most serious of the different types of skin cancer. Its prevention is a must.

Why is prevention of melanoma essential?

It spreads very fast from the skin to your internal organs because its cells can break off and migrate to other areas of the body. It causes 77% of deaths due to derma cancer.

Majority of these pigment-producing cells are found in the epidermis but melanocytes are also located in the other areas of the body.

Thus, it is possible that Melanoma can also start in the eyes, gastrointestinal tract, brain or lymph nodes. But these are rare occurrences.

Now that you know the different types of skin cancer, you might be interested on how to spot the signs for Non-melanoma and Melanoma.

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