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Skin cancer refers to malignant tumors arising from keratinocytes or adnexal structures of the skin, and it also includes melanoma arising from melanocytes. Based on pathology and biological behavior, skin cancers are broadly classified into non-melanoma skin cancers and melanoma.
1. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
The most common type (~75%). Slow-growing and locally destructive, but metastasis is rare.
2. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Accounts for ~20%. More invasive than BCC and more likely to spread to regional lymph nodes.
3. Melanoma
The most aggressive form, prone to early hematogenous spread and associated with the highest mortality.
4. Rare types
Including Merkel cell carcinoma and cutaneous lymphomas, among other uncommon malignancies.
5. Superficial spreading melanoma
The most common melanoma subtype, characterized by early radial (horizontal) growth.
6. Nodular melanoma
Predominantly vertical growth, rapid progression, and high invasiveness.
7. Lentigo maligna melanoma
Often occurs on sun-exposed facial skin in older adults and is linked to chronic UV damage.
1. UV radiation
Chronic sun exposure—especially intermittent intense exposure—is the major causative factor.
2. Skin phototype
Fair skin, light-colored eyes, and light hair are associated with higher risk.
3. Genetic predisposition
Family history and certain inherited syndromes increase susceptibility.
4. Immunosuppression
Post-transplant or other immunosuppressed states markedly increase risk.
5. Chemical exposure
Long-term exposure to arsenic, coal tar, and related agents can contribute to carcinogenesis.
6. Chronic injury
Long-standing non-healing ulcers, scars, and chronic inflammation can undergo malignant transformation.
7. Viral infection
Certain high-risk HPV types are associated with some skin cancers, particularly SCC in specific settings.
8. Age
Incidence of most skin cancers increases with age.
1. Sun protection
Avoid strong sunlight, use broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and practice routine skin checks.
2. Regular self-examination
Perform monthly skin checks; use the ABCDE rule to identify suspicious pigmented lesions and seek evaluation promptly.
3. Professional screening
High-risk individuals should undergo periodic dermatologic examinations to improve early detection.
4. Healthy lifestyle
Maintain a balanced diet, avoid smoking, support immune health, and keep skin integrity optimized.
5. Environmental and occupational protection
Reduce exposure to carcinogenic chemicals, use protective measures at work, and avoid unnecessary ionizing radiation and artificial UV sources (e.g., tanning beds).
6. Public education
Improve awareness of risk factors and preventive behaviors to reduce incidence and diagnostic delays.
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that skin cancer incidence continues to rise. Although many cases have a favorable prognosis, melanoma and certain aggressive subtypes carry substantial mortality risk. Effective sun protection, regular self-examination, and early diagnosis are central to prevention and outcome improvement. Advances in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques are enabling more individualized, multidisciplinary care, while high-risk populations should prioritize prevention and screening.
Skin cancer refers to malignant tumors arising from keratinocytes or adnexal structures of the skin, and it also includes melanoma arising from melanocytes. Based on pathology and biological behavior, skin cancers are broadly classified into non-melanoma skin cancers and melanoma.
1. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
The most common type (~75%). Slow-growing and locally destructive, but metastasis is rare.
2. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Accounts for ~20%. More invasive than BCC and more likely to spread to regional lymph nodes.
3. Melanoma
The most aggressive form, prone to early hematogenous spread and associated with the highest mortality.
4. Rare types
Including Merkel cell carcinoma and cutaneous lymphomas, among other uncommon malignancies.
5. Superficial spreading melanoma
The most common melanoma subtype, characterized by early radial (horizontal) growth.
6. Nodular melanoma
Predominantly vertical growth, rapid progression, and high invasiveness.
7. Lentigo maligna melanoma
Often occurs on sun-exposed facial skin in older adults and is linked to chronic UV damage.
1. UV radiation
Chronic sun exposure—especially intermittent intense exposure—is the major causative factor.
2. Skin phototype
Fair skin, light-colored eyes, and light hair are associated with higher risk.
3. Genetic predisposition
Family history and certain inherited syndromes increase susceptibility.
4. Immunosuppression
Post-transplant or other immunosuppressed states markedly increase risk.
5. Chemical exposure
Long-term exposure to arsenic, coal tar, and related agents can contribute to carcinogenesis.
6. Chronic injury
Long-standing non-healing ulcers, scars, and chronic inflammation can undergo malignant transformation.
7. Viral infection
Certain high-risk HPV types are associated with some skin cancers, particularly SCC in specific settings.
8. Age
Incidence of most skin cancers increases with age.
1. Sun protection
Avoid strong sunlight, use broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and practice routine skin checks.
2. Regular self-examination
Perform monthly skin checks; use the ABCDE rule to identify suspicious pigmented lesions and seek evaluation promptly.
3. Professional screening
High-risk individuals should undergo periodic dermatologic examinations to improve early detection.
4. Healthy lifestyle
Maintain a balanced diet, avoid smoking, support immune health, and keep skin integrity optimized.
5. Environmental and occupational protection
Reduce exposure to carcinogenic chemicals, use protective measures at work, and avoid unnecessary ionizing radiation and artificial UV sources (e.g., tanning beds).
6. Public education
Improve awareness of risk factors and preventive behaviors to reduce incidence and diagnostic delays.
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that skin cancer incidence continues to rise. Although many cases have a favorable prognosis, melanoma and certain aggressive subtypes carry substantial mortality risk. Effective sun protection, regular self-examination, and early diagnosis are central to prevention and outcome improvement. Advances in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques are enabling more individualized, multidisciplinary care, while high-risk populations should prioritize prevention and screening.