There are three common types of skin cancer:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
• Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC)
• Malignant melanomas (MM)

There are other less common forms of skin cancer, but these three comprise what we see most often. BCC is by far the most prevalent, representing 80% of all skin cancers, and we diagnose and treat basal cell carcinoma every day in the office. However, melanoma accounts for the majority of skin cancer deaths.

The most superficial layer of skin is called the epidermis. The epidermis is like a wall of bricks, with different types of brick layers. The innermost layer of the epidermis contains small round cells called basal cells. The basal cells continually divide, and new cells constantly push older ones up toward the surface of the skin, where they are eventually shed.

As cells move up in the epidermis, they get flatter, becoming squamous cells. The epidermis also contains melanocytes. These cells produce the pigment melanin, which gives skin its color.

Most skin cancers occur when one of these cell types develops a mutation and becomes cancerous, which causes them to continue dividing and to potentially invade deeper tissues. If the cancerous cell is the basal cell, then the cancer is called basal cell carcinoma. If the cancerous cell is the squamous cell, then the cancer is called squamous cell carcinoma. If the cancerous cell is the melanocyte, then the cancer is called melanoma. Melanomas are fast growing and aggressive cancers that can quickly spread to other areas of the body.

If you develop a lesion called actinic keratosis (plural = actinic keratoses), this is not skin cancer but it is considered pre-malignant. Actinic keratosis can potentially develop into skin cancer, so we recommend having it treated with a simple procedure called cryosurgery, which involves freezing it with liquid nitrogen.

If any of the following apply to you, it’s time to schedule your dermatology appointment:

• If you have a mole that is asymmetrical, has irregular borders, has multiple colors, or changes over time.
• If you have a spot that just won’t heal or go away.
• If you have a personal or family history of skin cancer and have not had a total body skin exam within the past year.
• If you are an adult who has never had a total body skin exam.

Call us at one of our offices to schedule an appointment with a dermatology provider, or request an appointment online.

• North and South Colorado Springs & Woodland Park: (719) 355-1585
• Pueblo & Cañon City: (719) 543-1111 

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), which includes basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, is highly prevalent. It is estimated that over 5 million new cases of NMSC are diagnosed each year, with one in every 5 Americans having the disease at some point in their lives. NMSC is more prevalent than all the other human cancers combined.

The primary reason for the increased incidence of skin cancer is that the American population is aging. People aged 55 to 75 have about a 100-fold higher incidence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) than those younger than 20. As Americans live longer we will continue to see the incidence of skin cancer rise.

Americans also have more cumulative exposure to UV radiation from outdoor activities and the use of tanning beds. While hiking, biking, golfing, and other outdoor activities are good for our health, we must take precaution by using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing.

The incidence of skin cancer in Colorado is among the highest in the country because of the high altitude. At 6,000 feet Coloradans live closer to the sun and enjoy over 300 days of sunshine every year. It is no wonder that we have a 30% higher incidence of skin cancer.

No. One skin cancer cannot turn into another. If not treated, one skin cancer can grow and even spread to other sites on the body, but it will always be the same type of skin cancer.