Skin Cancer: 3 Common Types and When to See a Doctor

Skin Cancer: 3 Common Types and When to See a Doctor

Skin cancer is currently the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the UK, with over 100,000 new cases reported annually.

Whilst incidence rates have climbed by approximately 45% over the last decade, there is a silver lining: skin cancer is highly treatable—and often curable—when detected in its earliest stages.

Understanding the different types of skin cancer and the “ABCDE” warning signs can truly be life-saving.

3 Main Types of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer occurs when UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells, causing them to grow uncontrollably. The three most common forms are categorized by the cells they affect.

1. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

• Prevalence: Accounts for roughly 75% of all cases.

• Characteristics: This is a slow-growing cancer that rarely spreads to other parts of the body.

• Appearance: Typically looks like a pearly or waxy lump, a red scaly patch, or a sore that bleeds, crusts, and refuses to heal.

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

• Prevalence: Accounts for about 20% of cases.

• Characteristics: Faster-growing than BCC, it has a higher potential to spread if left untreated.

• Appearance: Often appears as a firm red lump or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface. It may feel tender to the touch.

3. Melanoma

• Prevalence: Accounts for only 5% of cases but is the most serious.

• Characteristics: The most aggressive form of skin cancer. It can spread quickly to internal organs.

• Appearance: Usually appears as a new mole or a significant change to an existing one. It can also occur in areas not exposed to the sun, such as the soles of the feet or under fingernails.

When to See a Doctor: The ABCDE Rule

If you have a mole or skin lesion that concerns you, use the ABCDE guide to check for melanoma symptoms:

Other Red Flags:

• A sore that does not heal within four weeks.

• A spot that continuously itches, hurts, or bleeds.

• New, rapidly growing lumps, even if they aren’t dark in colour.

Risk Factors: Are You at High Risk?

While anyone can develop skin cancer regardless of skin tone, your risk increases significantly if you have:

• Fair skin, light-coloured eyes, and red or blonde hair.

• A history of frequent sunburn, particularly during childhood.

• A history of using sunbeds or tanning lamps.

• A large number of moles or a family history of skin cancer.

Diagnosis and Modern Treatment

If you notice a change, a dermatologist will perform a dermoscopy (a specialized magnifying light exam) and may take a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

Common treatments include:

• Surgical Excision: Removing the tumor and a small margin of healthy skin.

• Topical Treatments: Medicated creams for very superficial BCCs.

• Mohs Surgery: A specialised technique for delicate areas (like the face) to preserve healthy tissue.

• Immunotherapy: Advanced medication used to help the immune system fight melanoma.

Key Message

Early diagnosis is the strongest tool we have. Basal cell carcinomas have a nearly 100% survival rate when caught early, and even melanoma survival is high (over 90%) if detected before it spreads.