Skin cancer originates in the cells of the skin due to them being exposed to harsh UV rays of the sun. Skin cancer starts with mild symptoms like lump formation, and since it is not painful, patients are mostly not aware of it initially. However, if your doctor diagnoses it at an early stage, it can be cured. This is why it is essential to be aware of skin cancer symptoms and go for regular check-ups.

Types of skin cancer
There are three primary types of skin cancer:

• Basal cell skin cancers (basal cell carcinomas)
• Squamous cell skin cancers (squamous cell carcinomas)
• Melanomas

Basal cell carcinomas and Squamous cell carcinomas
The common types of skin cancer, basal and squamous, are found mostly on the parts of your skin which are most exposed to the sun rays, like neck and face. While they are not as fatal as melanomas and are less likely to spread to other parts; it is crucial to treat them as soon as diagnosed. If you leave it untreated, it can become fatal.

Melanomas
Melanomas initiate in the melanocytes and are not as common as the other two types and they are usually benign. It can be found in any part of the body, and like the other two, if you start treatment at an early stage, you can get rid of it. However, melanoma is fatal and can spread at a fast rate to other parts of the body.

Symptoms of skin cancer
Basal cell carcinoma signs and symptoms

• A shiny or waxy lump on the neck, face, head, or shoulders.
• A smooth, skin-colored or brownish scar-like wound.
• A sore which doesn’t heal.

Squamous cell carcinoma signs and symptoms

• A solid, red node, once again on the areas exposed to the sun, like basal cancer.
• The bump might look like an ulcer and bleed.
• A smooth patch with a rough, crusted surface.

Melanoma signs and symptoms

• A new mole that appears all of a sudden during adulthood.
• A change in the existing mole, in the form of texture, size, color, etc.
• A mole that suddenly starts bleeding.
• A big brown spot with darker marks.
• A small patch with an irregular border and some portions of it is reddish.
• Dark scratch on any part of your body like your hands, face, anus, and vagina.

Types and Symptoms of rare types
The other unique types of skin cancer are:

• Kaposi sarcoma – It mostly affects people with weak immune systems, like individuals who have AIDS, or who have gone through some organ transplant. This is mostly seen as reddish or purplish spots.
• Merkel cell carcinoma – This is most commonly found as hard, glossy nodes just underneath the skin, and in hair glands.
• Sebaceous gland carcinoma – This destructive cancer initiates in the skin’s oil glands. It commonly appears as hard, painless nodes and develops in any part of the body.

So, watch out for the above symptoms from time to time, and consult a doctor at the earliest. An early diagnosis can save your life.