Skin cancers are frequently observed and diagnosed because of high risk factors for individuals, and they are usually divided into two main types: melanoma and non-melanoma cancer. In this classification, non-melanoma skin cancers cover basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (Lai et al., 2018). These major types of skin cancer need to be discussed in detail with reference to their specifics and cells of origin.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most typical type that is observed in the majority of individuals diagnosed with skin cancer. The cells of origin for this type of cancer are not clearly determined yet: keratinocyte or follicular stem cells. This type of cancer is observed on the head and upper torso as a dry red or pearly area, and it develops slowly. As a result, basal cell carcinoma is viewed as the least dangerous type of cancer that can be treated (Lai et al., 2018). Squamous cell carcinoma is more dangerous type of skin cancer compared to basal cell carcinoma as it may further spread to other body parts (Catalano et al., 2019; Lai et al., 2018). The cell of origin is keratinocyte, and this type of cancer can appear on the skin exposed to the sun, including the head, ears, and hands, in the form of thick red and pale spots that can bleed.
Melanoma is the severest form of skin cancer that grows quickly, and it can appear as a spot of a red, brown, black, or grey color with asymmetric sides. The cell of origin is melanocyte in this case, and the problem is that this cancer spreads to other organs and tissues in the form of metastases quickly. Therefore, much attention should be paid to diagnosing melanoma at the earliest stages in order to prevent morbidity (Catalano et al., 2019; Lai et al., 2018). The exposure to sun is regarded as one of the key risk factors associated with developing this type of skin cancer. Furthermore, the role of genetics is also critical for the growth of melanomas.
References
Catalano, O., Roldán, F. A., Varelli, C., Bard, R., Corvino, A., & Wortsman, X. (2019). Skin cancer: Findings and role of high-resolution ultrasound. Journal of Ultrasound, 22(4), 423-434.
Lai, V., Cranwell, W., & Sinclair, R. (2018). Epidemiology of skin cancer in the mature patient. Clinics in Dermatology, 36(2), 167-176.