Skin Cancer: Melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma , Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Skin cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the skin cells. Although a cancer can develop in any tissue of the skin, malignant skin tumors develop most often in the epithelial cells to give rise to squamous cell carcinomas (or squamous cell skin cancer), or in the nevus cells to form melanoma. The carcinomas are composed of two major groups of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.   

A non- carcinoma can make its beginning in the melanocytes to form a melanoma. Melanoma skin cancer can arise from a transformation of a nevus into malignant tumor.  In addition to transforming into skin cancer, giant nevus cells can develop complications if they are present near the brain. In general, the treatment depends on the type of skin cancer you have.  

Note: nevus cells are a group of melanin-producing cells located in the bottom layer of the skin's epidermis, the middle layer of the eye (the uvea), the inner ear, meninges, bones, and heart. 

Non-melanomas 

Although there are other types of non-melanoma (Merkel cell carcinoma for instance), basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the two most common forms of skin cancer of the non-melanomas. They progress slowly, and are rarely fatal. They usually occur in people aged over 40. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common, representing about 90% of skin cancers. It includes many subtypes, and usually affects the face by forming a flesh-colored or pink lesion of a few millimeters in diameter that does not heal. 

Melanoma 

For a skin cancer to be considered melanoma it must form in the melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin (pigment) which are found in the skin, eyes, inner ear, meninges, bones, and heart . Unlike non-melanomas, melanoma skin cancer can occur at any age. They usually appear as an abnormal, darkened lesion . The cancer can also develop on an existing mole.  Melanomas are rare but severe. They can grow rapidly and metastasize into other organs. It is estimated that melanoma is responsible for 75% of deaths from skin cancer.  

Fortunately, skin cancer can be detected early and treated successfully. Therefore, any abnormal cutaneous growth or  change must be promptly reported to a medical professional for proper diagnosis. Do not rely on opinions of others to overlook any tumor of the skin. The beginning of all skin cancer may be insignificant; this does not mean that the tumor cannot lead to complications and even death.