Types of skin cancer cells

Basal cells sit in the deepest part of the outer skin layer; cancers from them are called basal cell carcinoma. Squamous cells form much of the skin surface; squamous cell carcinoma begins in these cells and can grow into nearby tissue. Melanocytes make pigment, and melanoma begins in these cells. These cancers are different diseases, even when they appear on the same body area.

A clinician may examine a changing spot with magnification and remove a small sample for laboratory review. The report can describe the cell type, depth, edges, and features that affect management. A dark colour is not required for a skin cancer, and an irritated or scaly lesion should not be judged by appearance alone.

Record when you first noticed the lesion and whether it has changed in size, shape, colour, texture, bleeding, or crusting. Photographing it beside a familiar object can help you describe change, but it does not replace examination. Avoid picking or repeatedly irritating the area. Evaluation may involve tumour removal surgery; radiotherapy or immunotherapy can be considered for selected situations based on cell type, location, stage, and overall health.

Arrange a clinical assessment for a sore that does not heal, a firm or scaly growth that enlarges, repeated bleeding, a mole that changes, or a new mark that looks unlike others. Seek prompt care for rapidly growing swelling, spreading redness with fever, severe pain, or a lesion near the eye that affects vision. A skin change does not by itself establish cancer; examination is needed.

Which skin cell type is involved? Is a biopsy needed, and when will the result be available? How deep or extensive is the lesion? What treatment protects nearby nerves, eyes, or other important structures? How should I check my skin and protect it during follow-up?