There are three main types of skin cancer that are managed on a regular basis: melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
A melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. It can spread to other parts of the body and this can lead to death. Find out more about melanoma here. See what melanomas can look like here.
A BCC is the most common type of skin cancer. It almost never spreads to other parts of the body. However, it can grow locally into any organ in its path. This means that if bone or muscle or nerves are beneath the skin, the BCC can grow into these structures destroying them. This can be quite serious on the face. For example, a BCC near the eye can grow into and destroy the eye. Learn more about BCCs here.
An SCC is the second commonest type of skin cancer. It is more serious than a BCC but less serious than a melanoma. SCCs can spread to other parts of the body such as lymph glands, the lung or liver. Fortunately, there can be effective treatments for the cancer even when it has spread. This contrasts with melanoma where there are very limited treatments for a melanoma that has spread. Find out more about SCCs here.
There are also other rare skin cancers that we treat from time to time. These are all managed on an individual basis. If your skin cancer is neither BCC, SCC or melanoma, ask your doctor about management options tailored to your circumstances and wishes.