Skin Cancer Overview & Symptoms
Overview Skin cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the skin cells. It occurs when the DNA in skin cells is damaged, usually by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer worldwide, and its incidence has been increasing over the years. There are several types of skin cancer, but the three most common ones are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. BCC and SCC are often referred to as non-melanoma skin cancers and are generally less aggressive than melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most prevalent type of skin cancer. It typically appears as a small, pearly bump or a pinkish patch of skin. BCC usually grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. Squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common type, usually manifests as a scaly red patch, a sore that doesn't heal, or a raised growth with a central depression. While SCC is more likely to spread compared t...