Among all human cancers, skin cancer is the most common one. According to studies, more than one million people in the country are diagnosed each year with some kind of disease. In general, cancer occurs when normal cells undergo a transformation and grow rapidly and multiply without any control.

Our skin is made of a variety of cells. Many of these cells are in constant motion. The round basal cells which are found below the surface get flattened as they rise to replace dead and flaking squamous cells on the surface. On the other hand, melanocytes tan the skin in the sunlight, and Merkel cells offer the ability to the skin to sense touch. When these cells get damaged, they may lead to skin cancer.

Based on its symptoms, skin cancer is categorized into different types of skin cancer. If you are suffering from any kind of skin cancer symptoms, below is a list of the different types of skin cancer you need to be well versed with.

Basal cell carcinoma
More than 80 percent of the skin cancer diagnosed each year are basal cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma develops within the basal cell layer of the skin. It is the lowest part of the epidermis. This cancer usually occurs in the areas of the skin that receive the most exposure to the sun such as head and neck. Basal cell carcinoma grows very slowly, but if not treated, it can spread to other parts of the human body and makes life difficult.

Recurrent basal cell carcinoma
According to studies, basal cell carcinomas are the most common type of skin cancer. Thus, patients who have suffered basal cell carcinoma once have a higher risk of developing recurrent basal cell cancer. Recurrent basal cell carcinoma can occur at the same location of basal cell carcinoma that had occurred earlier or any other part of the body. As per reports, more than 50 percent of patients with basal cell carcinoma are likely to develop the symptoms of recurrent basal cell carcinoma within 5 years of the first diagnosis. Post completion of the treatment for basal cell carcinoma, it is important to have periodic self-examinations. This helps in the prevention of new symptoms.

Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for approximately 20 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers. Squamous cell carcinoma develops from the flat squamous cells. These cells form the major part of the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. Thus, squamous cell carcinomas are usually found on areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun, such as the neck, ears, face or the back of the hand. However, it can also develop in other parts of the human body such as in scars, skin ulcers or the genital region. Squamous cell cancers grow very slowly.

Melanoma
Melanoma is a known skin cancer that forms in melanocytes. Melanocytes are the skin cells that produce the brown pigment known as melanin. Melanocytes darken when exposed to the sun. Thus, creates a protective shield for the deeper layers of the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays.

In brief, the above is a list of the different types of skin cancer. Addition to these, there are certain types of rare skin cancers available; these mainly include Kaposi sarcoma, Actinic keratosis, and Keratoacanthoma.