Skin cancer afflicts the largest organ in the human body – the skin. This is one of the most common kinds of cancer. Skin cancer can be of two kinds - melanoma and non-melanoma. Melanoma is cancer which spreads rapidly. This is usually the most dangerous kind of skin infection.

Skin cancer

The other type of skin cancer is known as non-melanoma. Non-melanoma cancer is also divided into two sub types: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The non melanoma types of cancer are also known as skin neoplasia.

There are other types on non-melanoma cancers too. But the most common are basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. These growths don’t spread to the body but can invade and affect tissue in the surrounding region of the growth.

Non-melanoma cancers can develop on different parts of the exposed skin of your body. This can include lips, neck, back, arms, legs, ears, and the back of hands. Sometimes, although rarely, these scabs also develop near the anus, inside the mouth or on the vagina. Non-melanoma cancers are completely treatable and just need to be detected early.

Skin Cancer occurs in about 20 per cent of the population of United States of America. People who live on the coasts are more likely to get it and should take adequate protection as early as childhood. Though the cancer appears in and after late 40s, the damage begins much earlier. Therefore the protection needs to start well in time. Children who have freckles are more likely to get skin cancer so you should give such children added protection of specialized sunscreen and adequate covering.  People with light complexions or light hair are more prone as their body is produces less melanin.