The abnormal growth of skin cells is known as skin cancer. It mostly develops in areas that are exposed to the sun. Skin cancer can affect anyone, irrespective of their race, age, gender, and skin color. The skin is made up of many cells, most of which are constantly in motion. The flattened, round basal cells under the surface start to rise and replace the dead squamous cells, flaking on the surface. The skin gets tanned due to melanocytes in the sunlight while the merkel cells enable the sense of touch.

When such cells get damaged, they can develop into skin cancer, a life-threatening condition. All types of skin cancers are serious and should be treated immediately. But the type of skin cancer and the related treatment alternatives depend on the cells that have been affected. Common types of skin cancers include:

1. Basal cell carcinoma
Over eighty percent of the cases of skin cancer are reported to be basal cell carcinoma. This cancer develops in the basal cell layer of the skin, which is the lowest part of the epidermis. It is also more common in areas that are exposed to the sun more often. This includes the neck, head, hands, and legs. Although basal cell carcinoma progresses slowly, it rarely metastasizes or spreads to the surrounding lymph nodes or other body parts. But this could happen if the condition is left untreated. Therefore, looking out for the symptoms and getting it treated early is essential. This type of skin cancer can recur in the same place of origin. People with this cancer are likely to have this condition at other places as well. Around fifty percent of the affected people may develop another basal cell carcinoma in the initial five years of the first diagnosis.

2. Squamous cell carcinoma
The second most commonly developed skin cancer is known as squamous cell carcinoma; it accounts for around twenty percent of the non-melanoma skin cancers. This type of skin cancer develops from the flattened squamous cells that form the epidermis, which is the skin’s outermost layer. The areas of the skin that are most exposed to the sun, like the back of the hand, face, ears, and neck, are affected. This type of skin cancer is also found in areas like the genital region, causing skin ulcers and scars. The cells causing this type of skin cancer are usually slow-growing and rarely spread or metastasize. However, it does have a greater tendency of invading the fatty tissues, which are below the skin.

The skin cells or melanocytes that are formed by skin cancer or melanoma can produce a brown color pigment that is known as melanin. When exposed to the sun, these cells darken to provide a protective shield to the deeper layers of the skin from the harmful impact of the ultraviolet rays.