Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. There are many different types of skin cancer, and understanding each one and their affects could potentially save a life. Each type affects treatment options as well as your prognosis.

The best source of information about the different types of skin cancer is a doctor. However, here is a list of the different types, as well as symptoms and identifying factors.

Basal and Squamous Cell
This type is often found in areas that are exposed to the sun, including the head, neck, and arms. Squamous cells are flat and located on the outer part of the epidermis. Basal cells are located in the lower part of the epidermis.

Melanoma
Melanoma is a less common type, but more likely to spread quickly. It starts in the melanocytes, which make a brown pigment called melanin, and can grow into melanoma. It can develop anywhere on the skin and can range in color from brown or black to even pink, tan, or white.

Merkel
This uncommon skin cancer can grow quickly and uncontrollably and can be hard to treat if it spreads beyond the skin. Because of this, it is known as one of the most dangerous types; if it is not caught early, it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body.

Lymphoma
This cancer starts in the white blood cells, which are a part of the immune system. These cells are called lymphocytes and are in the lymph nodes. It is a skin lymphoma when it starts in the skin, but is not if it starts in the lymph nodes or other tissues.

Kaposi Sarcoma
This usually appears as tumors on the skin and can start from cells that line the lymph nodes or blood vessels. Lesions on the skin from cells of KS can be purple, red, or brown. These usually do not cause any pain, but any lesions in the lungs, liver, or digestive tract could be painful and even life threatening.

Skin Protection Alternatives to Sunscreen

• Certain oils can be used as sunscreen alternatives. Sesame oil resists 30 percent of UV rays, and coconut, peanut, and olive oils block out 20 percent. These are only good for short periods in the sun, however.

• Aloe vera isn’t just good for after the sun; it can offer a limited amount of sun protection too.

• Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant found in algae, salmon, trout, and shrimp that has the ability to protect the skin from sun damage. This supplement will also promote healthy looking skin.

Protect the Areas You Forget

To Protect the Scalp: Use a proper sun hat with a full brim. Or you can rub sunscreen around your hair line and the parting in your hair.

To Protect the Eyes: When putting sunscreen on, don’t forget to get the eyelids too. This also goes for the hands, which can be easily skipped. You should also be wearing UV-blocking sunglasses.

Written by: Alex Dunn