Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, with its three most common types being melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. These forms of skin cancers account for 99% of all the cases related to this disease. While the primary causes of this condition are prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays or harmful UV rays from the tanning bed, there are various other factors that can lead to it too.

This article provides information on melanoma as well as some lesser-known types of skin cancer:

1. What is melanoma?

Melanoma is the most harmful type of skin cancer. About 96,480 people in the country are expected to be diagnosed with this disease in the near future. It is believed to develop in cells called melanocytes, which contain pigments. It is rarer than cases of basal or squamous cell carcinoma but is becoming quite common, especially in the western nations. For instance, the percentage of people in the country who have melanoma has more than doubled in the past three decades. They can develop anywhere on the skin, but are more likely to develop on the chest and back in men. In women, this condition is likelier to develop on the legs, neck, and face.

2. Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC)

MCC is aggressive and one of the rarer types of skin cancer that mainly occurs on the portions of the skin such as trunk, legs, arms, head, and neck. Usually, it appears as a purple, red, or pink lump that is painless. MCC is a fast-developing cancer and hence, can be difficult to treat if it spreads to regions beyond the skin.

3. Kaposi Sarcoma (KS)

KS develops from the cells that line blood and lymph vessels. It can appear inside the mouth or on the skin as a purple-colored/darkish tumor (lesion). Usually, lesions do not have any symptoms. However, they can circulate to other areas of the body. This type of skin cancer is caused due to human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8). Not every individual who is infected with this virus will have KS. Usually, individuals whose immune systems have been damaged by drugs administered post an organ transplant or due to any disease are at a higher risk of getting this condition. There are various forms of KS. These include KS in HIV negative men who have sexual intercourse with men, transplant-related (Iatrogenic) KS, African/Endemic KS, Mediterranean/Classic KS, and AIDS-related/Epidemic KS. AIDS-related KS is the most common form of KS in the country. It develops in those patients who are HIV infected.

4. Lymphoma of the skin

This type of skin cancer begins in the lymphocytes, which are the white blood cells that are extremely crucial for the functioning of the immune system. However, lymphoma can also start in other lymphoid tissues such as the skin, bone marrow, and the spleen. The two important kinds of lymphoma include non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphoma. Apart from the usual cancer treatments such as targeted therapies, chemotherapy, and photodynamic therapies, lymphoma can also be cured by clinical trials involving lymphoma vaccines, immunotherapy treatments, and stem cell transplants.