Skip to main content

How to Know Which of the 3 Skin Cancer Types You Have

How to Know Which of the 3 Skin Cancer Types You Have

Skin cancer, the abnormal growth of your body’s skin cells, kills more than two people every hour in America.

It’s the most common type of cancer in the world, and can be caused by factors that include a weakened immune system, overexposure to sunlight, exposure to radiation, and a family history of the condition. 

There are three main types of skin cancer, and understanding which one you have can make getting proper treatment easier and increase your survival rate. 

If you’re concerned you may be at risk of skin cancer, or any other skin condition, trust the expert and personalized medical care available from Dr. Javier Zelaya and the team at Skinworks Dermatology, with three New York City locations.

Types of skin cancer

Skin cancer has three main types:

Basal cell carcinoma

This type of cancer often appears in areas exposed to the sun, like your neck or face. It may appear on your skin as a pearly or waxy bump, a flat, flesh-colored, scar-like lesion, or a scabbing sore that heals and comes back.

Squamous cell carcinoma

This cancer also appears on sun-exposed areas of the body, though people with darker skin may see it in areas without ultraviolet exposure. It shows up as either a firm, red nodule or a flat, crusted, or scaly lesion.

Melanoma

This cancer can appear anywhere on your body, affecting either normal skin or a mole that becomes cancerous. Melanoma can look like:

Other, rare types of skin cancer include sebaceous gland carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and Kaposi sarcoma. 

Methods of treatment

Treatments for skin cancer depend on the type and its stage of development in your body. Nonsurgical options include: 

Surgical options include excisional surgery, removing the tumor and surrounding healthy skin; Mohs surgery, precise removal of diseased tissue; curettage, a sharp, looped edge for removing cancer cells; and electrodesiccation, an electric needle for destroying cancer cells.

Finding a mole or other skin changes can be scary, but skin cancer is treatable, and we can help. If you think you’re dealing with skin cancer of any sort, call the Skinworks Dermatology office in Maspeth, Chelsea, or Park Slope today or book your appointment online.

You Might Also Enjoy...

When to Schedule a Botox Touch-up

Botox® is a popular type of injectable that can help lessen the appearance of wrinkles so you look as young as you feel. But how long do the injections last, and how often do you need touch-up sessions to maintain the effects?

Does Eczema Go Away on Its Own?

Eczema is a common skin problem that affects millions, leading to unpleasant flare-ups that cause itchy, dry, and scaly skin. But does eczema need to be treated, or does it eventually go away?

Does Microdermabrasion Work on All Skin Types?

Caring for your skin can mean treating conditions that affect it or blemishes that affect how you feel about it. Microdermabrasion can help with both, but what skin types are suitable for this skin treatment?

Get Summer Ready with a Spray Tan

With warmer weather comes the urge to get out in the sun and soak in its rays. However, there are dangers to UV overexposure. A spray tan might be the solution to safely get the summer look you want.

Here's How to Ditch Your Double Chin

Fat forms throughout the body over time, and submental fat — also known as a double chin — affects millions of people. If you have a double chin, we can help you get rid of it. Read on to find out how.