The most common types of skin cancer and precancerous growths include:
Actinic keratoses, often called AKs or precancers, are common skin growths caused primarily by years of sun exposure. They often appear as rough, scaly or crusty spots on areas of the skin that receive the most sun.
While an actinic keratosis is not skin cancer, some can develop into squamous cell carcinoma. Because it is impossible to know which ones will progress, treatment is often recommended.
Treatment may include liquid nitrogen, prescription topical medications or other treatments recommended by your dermatology provider.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It develops in the basal cells found in the lower part of the epidermis and is most often associated with cumulative sun exposure.
BCCs tend to grow slowly and rarely spread to other parts of the body. However, they can continue to grow and damage surrounding skin, tissue, cartilage or bone if left untreated.
Treatment depends on the size, location and characteristics of the cancer and may include Mohs surgery, standard surgical excision or, for appropriate patients, nonsurgical treatment with GentleCure image guided superficial radiation therapy.
Squamous cell carcinoma develops in the squamous cells of the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin. Like basal cell carcinoma, it is strongly associated with cumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
SCCs can grow more aggressively than basal cell carcinomas and have a greater potential to spread, making early diagnosis and treatment important.
Treatment is based on the size, location and characteristics of the cancer and may include Mohs surgery, standard surgical excision or, for appropriate patients, nonsurgical treatment with GentleCure image guided superficial radiation therapy.
Melanoma is less common than basal and squamous cell carcinoma, but it is more likely to spread if it is not detected and treated early.
Melanoma develops in melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment in the skin. It may develop in an existing mole or appear as a new spot on the skin.
Early melanomas are generally treated surgically. More advanced melanoma may require additional treatment from an oncology specialist.
Knowing the ABCDEs of melanoma and watching for new or changing spots can help identify melanoma earlier, when it is most treatable.
You don’t need to know what type of skin cancer you may be looking at. That’s our job. If you notice a new, changing or unusual growth, schedule an appointment with one of our dermatology providers. We’ll take a closer look and determine whether further evaluation or treatment is needed
©2026 Midwest Dermatology Clinic, P.C. • design by Chip Thompson
