Three types of skin cancer account for about 95% of all the skin cancers that occur: melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are sometimes called "nonmelanoma skin cancers”.

Basal cell carcinoma is less dangerous and mostly found on the head, neck or upper body.

Squamous cell carcinoma are rarer and potentially more dangerous.  They grow faster, usually over weeks or months and may spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body if not treated promptly.   Usually they occur on the head, neck, forearm or hand.

Melanoma skin cancer can occur anywhere on the body.  It develops in the melanocytes and can grow quickly.  If prompt treatment is not sought, melanomas can spread to other parts of the body to produce new and secondary cancers.

Contact our Skin Cancer Clinic specialists.