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What are the types of skin cancer?

People of all ages can get skin cancer, but it's rare in children.
There are two main types of skin cancer:
cancer in moles (malignant melanoma)
the non-melanoma group (basal cell – and squamous cell carcinoma).
Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers and is on the increase – probably because of our increasing tendency to expose the skin to sunlight and ultraviolet lights used in tanning.
People of all ages can get skin cancer, but it's rare in children. Symptoms and treatment depend on the type of cancer.
What are basal cell and squamous cell cancer?
Basal cell carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the deep basal cell layer of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). It is six to eight times more common than malignant melanoma.
It is often located in the face and on the neck. Basal cell carcinoma is not one of the most dangerous cancers, but it must still be treated to avoid it spreading.
'Rodent ulcer' is an alternative term sometimes applied to basal cell carcinoma.
Squamous cell carcinoma begins in a different layer of the epidermis. It is not as common as basal cell carcinoma and is typically found in places exposed to sunlight, like the face or neck.
Like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma is not among the most dangerous cancers, but it can become dangerous if it is not treated in time.
What causes basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma?
Sunlight is a contributing factor in 90 per cent of the cases. The disease itself is usually triggered by damage to the skin caused by sun rays.
People who are exposed to large quantities of sun radiation can develop skin cancer as early as age 20 or 30 but most patients are older.
What are the symptoms of non-melanoma cancer?
Basal cell carcinoma
The first warning signs may be small lumps, scar-like changes, or eczema-like changes on the skin. The first sign can also be a small sore with raised borders. It is a slow-growing cancer and it never spreads to other parts of the body.
Squamous cell carcinoma
The first sign can be a patch of scaly eczema. Later, a sore that can turn into a tumour may appear.
Squamous cell carcinoma grows faster than basal cell carcinoma especially when located near orifices – the eyes, ears, mouth, anus or the vagina. It may spread via the lymph vessels, but that is rare.
What are the warning signs?
Sores that will not heal.
Sores that grow bigger or turn into tumours.
Sores or tumours in or around the orifices should be watched carefully as these can behave aggressively.
What can be done at home?
Avoid excessive exposure to the sun, especially the midday sun (from 11am to 2pm).
Move into the shade and have a 'siesta' instead.
Clothing and sun hats can protect the skin from the sun's harmful rays.
Children must be protected from getting sunburn. Although the sunburn clears up nicely, the skin may have suffered damage that will become apparent later in life. Sunburn increases the risk of developing skin cancer.
Consult your doctor if you have sores that will not heal.
How is it diagnosed?
The sore or tumour often has certain distinctive features that, in most cases, will enable the doctor to recognise the disease. A biopsy will often be done to confirm the diagnosis.
Future prospects
Most non-melanoma skin cancers are cured, but there are no guarantees that the patients will not develop a new cancer.
How is basal cell carcinoma treated?
The tumour is usually removed surgically.
Another possibility is to expose the tumour to heat and scrape it off (cutterage and electrocautery), expose it to radiation (radiotherapy) or to freeze it with a little nitrogen (cryotherapy). A new cream containing imiquimod has been shown to cure 85 per cent of basal cell carcinoma and is an option for smaller tumours less than 2cm in diameter.
The newest therapy to be provided on the NHS is photodynamic therapy (PDT). A cream containing 5-aminoaevulinic acid, or 5-ALA, is placed on the basal cell carcinoma and a strong light then applied to the lesion. The cream makes the lesion more sensitive to the light and this causes it to heal.
How is squamous cell carcinoma treated?
The tumour will often be removed surgically.
Radiation therapy is sometimes used.
A tumour located in or around an orifice may require extensive surgery, and the patient may have to be hospitalised for a while.

Read more: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/skincancernonmelanoma.htm#ixzz2NCACXY7E
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