An actinic keratosis is a type of precancerous skin lesion that typically appears as a localized rough, scaly patch. If untreated, they may later develop into squamous cell carcinoma.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer and typically presents as a localized red shiny patch, shiny pink bump, or non-healing sore on the skin. These skin cancers typically spread locally at a slow rate in areas that have received chronic sun exposure over many years such as the face, neck, or hands. These skin cancers are important to treat as they can spread although usually only locally in the body.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer and typically presents as a firm scaly pink bump on the skin. These skin cancers typically spread locally at a slow rate in areas that have received chronic sun exposure over many years such as the face, neck, or hands. These skin cancers have a higher chance of spreading throughout the body than basal cell carcinomas and thus it is important to identify and treat them quickly to prevent an effect on your overall health.
Melanoma is the third most common form of skin cancer and one of the most aggressive skin cancers. It is caused when there is an uncontrolled growth of melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) in the skin. Melanoma may present as an irregular appearing mole or odd-shaped or colored brown-black patch on the skin. This skin cancer can spread very rapidly throughout the body and affect one’s overall health so it is very important to diagnose and treat melanoma as soon as possible.
