The 3 most common types of skin cancer

Written by: Dr Kapil Bhargava
Published:
Edited by: Jay Staniland

 

Whilst there are dozens of different forms of skin cancer, the three most common and important are melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Melanoma commonly present as new or changing moles. Squamous cell carcinoma tends to present as persistent skin coloured, or red, raised bumps on the skin, often associated with pain or tenderness. Basal cell carcinoma may have a more varied appearance.

 

 

How dangerous are the different forms of skin cancer?

 

Of the three, melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and can spread to other parts of the body. When found early it can often be treated successfully. Squamous cell carcinomas are not usually life threatening however can cause complications by their growth or through spread to other parts of the body. Early treatment is often curative.


Basal cell carcinoma, in contrast, tends to cause problems by growing deeper or wider into the surrounding skin and deeper structures.

 

What is basal cell carcinoma?

 

Basal cell carcinoma arises from basal cells, which are found at base of the epidermis, or top layer of skin. Most are thought to be caused by long-term sun exposure and arise in older adults. Rarely, they are seen in patients under the age of 20 years.

 

What are the symptoms of basal cell carcinoma?

 

Most BCCs develop on the head and neck.


Nodular basal cell carcinomas often appear as a pink, red, or translucent bump on the skin with tiny surface vessels. They may easily bleed or scab. In darker skinned patients they may be pigmented.


Superficial basal cell carcinomas are often seen on the chest and back as flat, scaly red-pink patches.


Less commonly BCCs may present as non-healing sores or ulcers, sometimes with a raised rolled edge. Least commonly they may present as a white or yellow waxy scar like area.

 

How is skin cancer treated?

 

Skin cancers are most commonly treated surgically, which is often curative when diagnosed early. Options include:
 

  • Curettage and cautery, where the skin cancer is scraped from the skin and the exposed surface sealed
  • Surgical excision where the skin cancer is removed with a margin of normal skin. The wound is then stitched together, but may require a graft or a flap.
  • Mohs surgery where skin layers are progressively removed and tested under the microscope until no skin cancer cells remain. For some non-melanoma skin cancers this reduces the risk of recurrence and can spare healthy surrounding skin.
  • Radiotherapy can be used for patients who cannot undergo surgery or who do not want to undergo surgery.
  • Certain creams and ointments can be effective in treating low-risk basal cell carcinoma
  • For skin cancers that have spread (metastasised) there are a number of new highly effective medications that have been developed over the last few years.

 

What should you do if you find signs of skin cancer?

 

If you are concerned about a new or changing mole or have signs of a non-melanoma skin cancer, arrange to see a dermatologist with expertise in skin cancer as soon as possible.

By Dr Kapil Bhargava
Dermatology

Dr Kapil Bhargava is a leading London-based consultant dermatologist and dermatologic (Mohs) surgeon. Specialising in skin cancer, hair disorders and cosmetic dermatology, he offers a range of evidence-based skin treatments from his Harley Street practice and has received multiple awards for his work in the field. Dr Bhargava is not only one of the most highly revered consultant dermatologists in London, but is so too an incredibly well-regarded skin specialist who is constantly in extremely high demand due, at large, to his highly trusted and expert patient care. 

Dr Bhargava, who is also a specialist in laser and cosmetic dermatology, is mightily experienced when it comes to all the various different general conditions relating to hair loss, acne, and surgical dermatology. He completed his medical training in general and specialist dermatology at the highly established and well-renowned St John's Institute of Dermatology after beginning his medical training in 1997 at the prestigious University College London Medical School. One of Dr Bhargava's biggest and most noteable achievements to-date is Fellowship in Mohs and Advanced Dermatologic Surgery, which he obtained from the Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board following the successful completion of his medical training. 

Trained in the UK and working in prestigious hospitals across London, Dr Bhargava has also completed training in the United States and continental Europe and continues to develop and gain valuable experience his field. Currently, he is the lead clinician for skin cancer and dermatologic surgery at St Bartholomew's and The Royal London Hospitals (the UK's largest hospital Trust), alongside running a specialist hair clinic at St John's Institute that takes referrals from across the country. 

As well as his, to-date, extensive clinical work, Dr Bhargava has also authored a numerous amount of scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals and has also contributed to book chapters such as the hair and scalp chapter in the renowned ABC in Dermatology series. He lectures nationally and internationally and is actively involved in the teaching and training of trainee dermatologists.

View Profile

Overall assessment of their patients


  • Related procedures
  • Laser
    Microdermoabrasion
    Treatment pigmented lesions
    Microneedling
    Platelet-rich plasma
    Dark circles
    Radiofrequency Facelift
    Lifting by radiofrequency
    Hands rejuvenation
    Cryolipolysis
    This website uses our own and third-party Cookies to compile information with the aim of improving our services, to show you advertising related to your preferences as well analysing your browsing habits. You can change your settings HERE.