A Guide to Different Types of Skin Cancer and Their Treatments

A Guide to Different Types of Skin Cancer and Their Treatments

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, yet it is also one of the most preventable and treatable when caught early. Understanding the different types of skin cancer, how they develop, and what treatment options are available can make a significant difference in outcomes. Whether you have noticed a suspicious spot or simply want to be better informed, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.

What Is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the skin grow uncontrollably, typically triggered by damage to DNA — most often from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. It can develop on any part of the body, including areas rarely exposed to sunlight.

Early detection is the single most important factor in successful treatment. Regular skin checks — both self-examinations and professional screenings — are essential for everyone, regardless of skin tone or age.

Treatment Options for Skin Cancer in the UK

Treatment depends on the type, size, location, and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health. In most cases, a combination of approaches may be recommended.

Surgery

Surgery is the most common skin cancer treatment in UK and includes several techniques:

  • Excisional surgery – The tumor and a margin of surrounding healthy tissue are cut out
  • Mohs surgery – Thin layers of cancer-containing skin are progressively removed and examined under a microscope until no cancer cells remain; ideal for BCC and SCC on sensitive areas like the face
  • Curettage and electrodesiccation – The tumor is scraped away and remaining cancer cells are destroyed with electric current

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. It is often used when surgery is not possible or as a follow-up to surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells.

  • Particularly useful for tumors in difficult-to-operate areas
  • Can be used as a primary treatment or adjuvant therapy
  • Common for BCC, SCC, and Merkel cell carcinoma

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy works by stimulating the body's own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. It has become a cornerstone of melanoma treatment.

  • Checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., pembrolizumab, nivolumab) block proteins that prevent immune cells from attacking cancer
  • Also used for Merkel cell carcinoma and advanced BCC
  • Can produce durable, long-lasting responses in some patients

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically attack cancer cells with certain genetic mutations, minimizing damage to healthy cells.

  • BRAF inhibitors (e.g., vemurafenib, dabrafenib) target a common mutation in melanoma
  • Hedgehog pathway inhibitors (e.g., vismodegib) are used for advanced BCC
  • Often used when cancer has spread or cannot be surgically removed

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. For skin cancer, it may be applied directly to the skin (topical chemotherapy) or administered systemically.

  • Topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is commonly used for superficial BCC and actinic keratoses
  • Systemic chemotherapy is generally reserved for advanced or metastatic cases
  • Often combined with other treatment modalities

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Photodynamic therapy involves applying a light-sensitizing drug to the skin and then exposing it to a specific wavelength of light, which activates the drug to destroy cancer cells.

  • Effective for superficial BCC, SCC in situ, and precancerous lesions
  • Minimal scarring and good cosmetic outcomes
  • Not suitable for deep or invasive tumors

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue. It is typically reserved for small, superficial lesions and precancerous conditions.

  • Quick, in-office procedure
  • Most effective for early-stage, localized lesions
  • Multiple sessions may be required

The Main Types of Skin Cancer

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, accounting for roughly 80% of all cases. It originates in the basal cells, which sit at the bottom of the outer layer of skin (epidermis).

How it looks: BCC often appears as a pearly or waxy bump, a flat flesh-colored lesion, or a bleeding and scabbing sore that heals and returns. It most frequently develops on sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, and hands.

Key characteristics:

  • Slow-growing and rarely spreads to other parts of the body
  • Highly treatable when diagnosed early
  • Can cause significant local damage if left untreated

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type, developing in the squamous cells that make up the middle and outer layers of the skin. It is more aggressive than BCC and has a higher risk of spreading.

How it looks: SCC typically presents as a firm, red nodule, a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface, or a new sore on an old scar. It commonly appears on the face, ears, lips, and hands.

Key characteristics:

  • More likely to spread to lymph nodes and distant organs than BCC
  • Strongly linked to chronic sun exposure and UV damage
  • Also associated with immunosuppression and certain skin conditions

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Although less common than BCC or SCC, it is responsible for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths due to its tendency to spread rapidly to other organs.

How it looks: Melanoma often resembles a mole or develops from an existing one. Dermatologists use the ABCDE rule to identify suspicious lesions:

  • A – Asymmetry: One half doesn't match the other
  • B – Border: Irregular, ragged, or blurred edges
  • C – Color: Multiple shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue
  • D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
  • E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or new symptoms

Key characteristics:

  • Can develop anywhere on the body, including areas not exposed to sunlight
  • More common in people with fair skin, but can affect all skin tones
  • Survival rates are significantly higher with early detection

Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer that begins in the Merkel cells, located at the base of the outer layer of skin. It tends to grow quickly and has a high rate of recurrence.

How it looks: It typically appears as a flesh-colored or bluish-red nodule, often on the face, head, or neck.

Key characteristics:

  • More common in older adults and people with weakened immune systems
  • Often linked to sun exposure and the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV)
  • Requires prompt, aggressive treatment

Kaposi Sarcoma

Kaposi sarcoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in the cells lining lymph or blood vessels. It most commonly affects people with compromised immune systems, particularly those living with HIV/AIDS.

How it looks: It manifests as red, purple, or brown patches or tumors on the skin and mucous membranes.

Key characteristics:

  • Can also affect internal organs
  • Treatment is often focused on managing symptoms alongside underlying immune conditions
  • Incidence has decreased significantly with the advent of antiretroviral therapy

Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma

This is a rare and aggressive cancer originating in the oil glands of the skin. It most often appears on the eyelid and can be mistaken for benign conditions such as a stye or pink eye, which can delay diagnosis.

Key characteristics:

  • More common in older women
  • Can spread to nearby lymph nodes
  • Often requires wide surgical excision

Preventing Skin Cancer

While not all skin cancers are preventable, the majority are linked to UV exposure — and that risk can be significantly reduced.

Sun Protection Habits That Matter

  • Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days
  • Reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors
  • Wear protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses
  • Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
  • Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps entirely

Regular Skin Checks

  • Perform monthly self-examinations using good lighting and a mirror
  • Schedule annual skin cancer screenings with a board-certified dermatologist
  • Report any new, changing, or unusual skin lesions promptly

When to See a Dermatologist

You should consult a dermatologist if you notice:

  • A new growth or sore that does not heal within four weeks
  • A mole or spot that changes in size, shape, or color
  • Any skin lesion that bleeds, itches, or becomes painful without a clear cause
  • Unusual patches of skin that look different from surrounding areas

Early intervention dramatically improves outcomes across all types of skin cancer. Do not wait — a simple skin check could be life-saving.

Understanding Your Diagnosis and Next Steps

Receiving a skin cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but it is important to remember that the vast majority of skin cancers are highly treatable, especially when caught early. Working with a specialist to understand your specific diagnosis, staging, and treatment plan puts you in the best position for a successful outcome.

Ask your dermatologist or oncologist about:

  • The specific type and stage of your skin cancer
  • All available treatment options and their expected outcomes
  • Clinical trials you may be eligible for
  • Follow-up care and monitoring schedules
  • Genetic counseling if melanoma runs in your family

Skin cancer does not have to be a life-altering diagnosis. With the right knowledge, proactive screening, and access to expert care, most people go on to live full, healthy lives after treatment.