Skin cancer forms in the cells of the skin, most often in the epidermis, or the outermost layer of the skin. Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer. It is also a curable type of cancer, with an approximate survival rate of 90 percent if diagnosed and treated before it has metastasized.
Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratosis are rough spots of skin most often appearing in areas frequently exposed to the sun. They are considered precancerous lesions, meaning they are most likely going to develop into cancerous lesions if not treated. These lesions can take many years to develop. They are usually removed with liquid nitrogen.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This is an actinic keratosis that has developed into a full-blown cancerous lesion. The only true way to differentiate them from an actinic keratosis is by a biopsy. They are also rough patches of skin, which commonly peel off, but reappear within several weeks. They are usually treated by removal with liquid nitrogen, or burned off with a laser.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
This is the most common type of skin cancer and usually appears as a sore that will not heal. They can be invasive, but tend to stay in one area and not metastasize. They are removed by surgical means or by burning them off with a special cauterizing tool. If you are diagnosed with a basal cell carcinoma, chances are good that you will have another develop.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the worst kind of skin cancer because it commonly metastasizes to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early. Melanomas are usually removed surgically, with an adjunct course of chemotherapy administered due to its tendency to metastasize.
Other Less Common Skin Cancers
Other less common skin cancers that derive from skin cells include: Kaposi's sarcoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, sarcoma and T-cell skin lymphoma. These cancers often form in other tissues of the body, but can form in skin tissues.
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