Skin cancer is a type of cancer wherein the skin cells have abnormal growth. It is mostly found in skin, which is majorly exposed to sunlight. Skin cancer is mainly categorized into three types which are squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and basal cell carcinoma.

The risk of skin cancer can be reduced by avoiding the exposure to ultraviolet rays and radiation. It is important to check for suspicious changes in the skin so that you can detect it in the initial stages itself. When it gets detected at an early stage, the chance of it getting treated also increases phenomenally. We will be discussing the symptoms and causes of skin cancer in this article.

Symptoms of skin cancer
The symptoms of skin cancer differ based on the type of cancer you have. Following are the symptoms based on the type of skin cancer.

The symptoms of basal cell carcinoma
The initial symptoms of basal cell carcinoma include a bump, which is waxy or pearly in appearance, along with a lesion that occurs like a scar, which is flat in texture and may even be colored like flesh.

The symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma
This type of skin cancer occurs in areas which are exposed to the sun. People who are dark-toned are more likely to get it and the symptoms include a red module, which is firm in texture and may be accompanied by a crusted surface, which is also quite scaly.

The symptoms and signs of melanoma
Melanoma is a common type of skin cancer characterized by a large spot, which is brown and has darker speckles as well. Additionally, this mole may change in feel, size, and even color. The patient may also experience dark and small lesions. These lesions can appear on your soles, palms, toes, and fingertips.

Causes of skin cancer
The causes of skin cancer include:

• The type of cells which are involved in causing the skin cancer
  All the three types of cells which cause skin cancer lie in different parts of the skin. The type of skin cancer depends on which layer of the skin the cells develop in. For instance, the squamous cells are just below the outer surface of the inner lining of the skin. Basal cells are just below the layer of squamous cells. If the melanocytes are causing cancer, then it will result in melanoma.

• Ultraviolet rays
  Studies suggest that people who are exposed to the sun are more prone to getting skin cancer. Hence, take the right measures and avoid being too exposed to ultraviolet rays.

Risk factors of getting skin cancer
The risk factors associated with skin cancer include:

• Having fair skin
• Having a history of getting sunburns
• Being excessively exposed to the sun
• High altitude climates
• Having too many moles or having a family history of getting skin cancer

As soon as you see the symptoms, it is better to get tested, especially if you lie in the demographics of the risk factors so as to start on the treatment at the earliest.