Other Types of Skin Cancer
While melanoma is the most deadly skin cancer, thankfully it is not the most common. Basal cell carcinoma (sometimes abbreviated as BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (sometimes abbreviated as SCC) make up 99% of skin cancers diagnosed in the United States.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of cancer. In fact, up to 1 in 3 men and 1 in 4 women will be diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma at some point during their lifetimes.1
Basal cell carcinoma is predominantly caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or indoor tanning.
The prognosis of basal cell carcinoma is excellent with early detection and treatment.
Photos of Basal Cell Carcinoma:
Basal Cell Carcinoma on Nose
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma is predominantly caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or indoor tanning.
It presents as open sores or red patches with a dome shape. It may bleed easily if scraped.
The prognosis of squamous cell carcinoma is excellent with early detection and treatment.
Photos of Squamous Cell Carcinoma:
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Photo Credit: CDC/ Carl Washington, M.D., Emory Univ. School of Medicine; Mona Saraiya, MD, MPH