Skin cancer refers to the type of cancer in which skin cells grow or multiply at an abnormal rate. Usually, it is observed that skin cancer develops in the areas, which are in direct contact with sunlight. However, it can also develop in areas, which are well protected from the sun. Skin cancer’s origin can be traced to the cells present in the epidermis.

Common forms of skin cancer

Basal cell carcinoma
Every year, around 3 million people are found to be diagnosed with skin cancer. According to a study by the American Cancer Society, around 80 percent of such people are diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma. Hence, it is the most common form of skin cancer . It is a type of skin cancer that develops in the layer of the basal cell in the skin, located in the lower portion of the epidermis. It is commonly found to affect the head and the neck, as these areas are directly exposed to the sun. It spreads through the body at a slow pace. Though it is rare to see basal cell cancers reach out to lymph nodes positioned nearby, this could happen if you do not take the symptoms seriously and consult with a skin cancer specialist.

Recurrent basal cell carcinoma
Several leading medical institutes have termed recurrent basal cell carcinoma as one of the most common forms of skin cancer . Just like regular basal cell carcinoma, this type of skin cancer originates in the basal cell layer. As the name suggests, when basal cell carcinoma recurs, it is referred to as recurrent basal cell carcinoma. Around half of the patients, who suffer from basal cell carcinoma, show symptoms of recurrent basal cell carcinoma within five years of the first time they were diagnosed with cancer. You must check for any symptoms of it reemerging from time to time after you undergo treatment for basal cell carcinoma. If you see any signs, consult your doctor again.

Squamous cell carcinoma
Around 20 percent of the people who suffer from non-melanoma skin cancers have squamous cell carcinoma. This skin cancer originates in the flat squamous cells that the epidermis, the outermost layer of our skin, is largely formed of. It is mostly found in areas of the body like face, neck, and ears that get maximum exposure to sunlight, but there is a chance of this cancer affecting other areas as well. They grow across the body slowly and are not known to metastasize.

Merkel cell carcinoma
It is a rare type of skin cancer; however, it is quite aggressive. It originates in the Merkel cells, which are responsible for lending a sense of touch to the skin. Like other types of skin cancer, it mostly develops in the areas that are exposed to sunlight. Older people, who have a weak immune system, are more susceptible to Merkel cell carcinoma.