There are many skin cancers that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell cancer, sometimes called non-melanoma skin cancer, usually appears as a small, fleshy bump or nodule on the head, neck, or hands. Occasionally, these nodules appear on the trunk of the body, usually as flat growths. Basal cell carcinoma accounts for more than 90 percent of all skin cancers in the United States. It is often easily detected and has an excellent record for successful treatment.Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer found in Caucasians. It seldom occurs in dark-skinned persons. People who have this cancer frequently have light hair, eyes, and complexions, and they do not tan easily. 

Squamous Cell Carinoma

Squamous cell skin cancer (sometimes referred to as non-melanoma carcinoma may appear as nodules, or as red, scaly patches of skin.  Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer found in Caucasians, and is usually found on fair-skinned persons.  Squamous cell carcinoma is typically is found on the rim of the ear, face, lips and mouth, however, it can spread to other parts of the body. Although generally more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma, this cancer is highly treatable.

Melanoma

Melanoma is a disease of the skin in which cancer cells are found in the melanocytes, the cells that produce color in the skin or pigment known as melanin. Melanoma usually occurs in adults, but it may occasionally be found in children and adolescents. Melanoma may also be called cutaneous melanoma or malignant melanoma. Melanoma is the rarest, but most virulent, form of skin cancer.  Melanoma is a more serious type of cancer than the more common basal cell cancer, or squamous cell cancer. Although the incidence of melanoma is lower than other types of skin cancer, it has the highest death rate and is responsible for 75 percent of all deaths from skin cancer. Melanoma most often appears on fair-skinned men and women, but people with other skin types can be affected. Rarely, melanomas can form in parts of the body not covered by skin such as the eyes, mouth, vagina, large intestine, and other internal organs.

Persons with the following characteristics may be at an increased risk for melanoma:

• blond or red hair

• blue eyes

• fair complexion

• family history of melanoma

• a changed or changing mole

• many ordinary moles (more than 50)

• many freckles

• an immunosuppressive disorder

• dysplastic nevi

• sun exposure
  The amount of time spent unprotected in the sun directly affects your risk of skin cancer.

• inability to tan

Dark-brown or black skin is not a guarantee against melanoma. African-Americans can develop this cancer, especially on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, under nails, or in the mouth.