Skin cancers, which develop in the cells of the skin, are named after the type of cell in which they start. They include:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. It usually occurs in people over 40, but it can also develop in younger people. Most BCCs form on areas of the skin that are commonly exposed to the sun, such as the head, neck, upper body, arms, and legs.  BCCs, which develop in cells in the lower part of the epidermis, are small, round, or flattened in shape and can be red, pale or pearly in color. These lesions may bleed easily with mior trauma such as washing your face. This type of skin cancer tends to grow slowly and usually doesn't spread to other parts of the body. However, if left untreated, BCCs may grow deeper into the skin and damage nearby tissues. This can make treatment more difficult and increase the chance of the skin cancer coming back.
  
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the second most common form of skin cancer, occurs primarily in people over 50. While SCC usually forms on the head, neck, hands, and forearms, it can also develop on the upper body or the legs. SCCs appear as thickened red, scaly spots, which may bleed easily or be tender to touch. Some patients describe SCC as a sore that hasn't healed. It tends to grow quickly, often in the span of several months, and can spread to other parts of the body. SCCs that form on your lips or ears have a high risk of spreading and should be examined by a doctor without delay.
  
• Melanoma, the potentially most serious type of skin cancer, can be treated successfully when diagnosed early. The first sign of a melanoma is usually the appearance of a new dark spot on your skin or a change in an existing freckle or mole. The change may be in size, shape or color that takes place over several weeks or months. A normal freckle or mole usually has an even color and a smooth edge. A melanoma often has an irregular edge or surface. It may be blotchy with brown, black, blue, red, white or light grey color. A freckle or mole that itches, bleeds or becomes larger or irregular in shape may be a melanoma. Nodular melanoma, is a highly dangerous form of the disease that can grow more quickly in depth than other melanomas. Nodular melanoma can resemble a blood blister, appearing as a small round lump on the skin. Melanoma has a higher chance of spreading that BCC or SCC, but has an excellent prognosis if caught in its early stages.