Are there different types of skin cancer?

There are different types of skin cancer.  Each type is named after which type of cell it begins in.  The three most common types of skin cancer are melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Melanoma
Melanoma is the most deadly type of skin cancer.  It can take many shapes and appearances.  Melanoma is usually a dark color like brown, blue, or black.  Other signs to look for include:

Irregular borders
Asymmetry (one half looks different than the other half)
Size – melanomas are usually large (bigger than a pencil eraser)

Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinomas can be treated easily if found.  They can be red, pink, or white in color.  Some are a patch of color while others are bumps.  Often bumps appear shiny. Sometimes this type of cancer causes sores that never completely heal, or come back shortly after healing.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinomas usually take on one of two forms.  It may be a rough patch, or can look and feel like a wart.

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