What types of white skin cancer are there?

The white skin cancer can be divided primarily into two different types, the basal cell carcinoma and the squamous cell carcinoma, also called spinocellular carcinoma. This differentiation is based on the tumor’s cells of origin. These cells can degenerate and be stimulated to proliferate rapidly and form tumors.

Each subtype of skin cancer can be differentiated into further forms, depending on its external appearance and form of growth. Basal cell carcinoma, for example, can appear nodular or flat, grow invasively or remain superficial, be colored or colorless and appear soft or hardened. According to this, the most important variants are differentiated, for example, into “nodular and solid” or “superficial multicentric” basal cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma, on the other hand, is distinguished according to its stage and localization. In contrast to basal cell carcinoma, it can metastasize and spread more frequently, which is why an exact stage classification in diagnostics is decisive for prognosis and therapy.

You can recognize white skin cancer by these symptoms

White skin cancer can look very different depending on the exact type of disease, its spread, pigmentation or other factors. Unlike the more dangerous and well-known melanoma, it is not black pigmented like a mole. Only in very rare cases of basal cell carcinoma can a black coloration be present.

Squamous cell carcinoma is often first recognized as a reddish spot on the skin. This can appear rough and hardened. In the course of time the spot grows into a knot with small hard pearl-shaped outgrowths.

The nodules can later form ulcers and bleed. In rare cases, they can spread to other parts of the body and organs through deep growth. The white skin cancer can only very rarely take on life-threatening courses.

Basal cell carcinoma, the more common form of white skin cancer, often appears yellowish at first. It also stands out as a rough elevation on the skin.The cancer can then take many forms and can be nodular, scarred or ulcerative. What these forms have in common, however, is steady growth and, in contrast to moles and other skin changes, an irregularity in size, shape and boundaries.

In the vast majority of cases, white skin cancer is characterized by the fact that only a few symptoms occur. The skin cancer is often only noticed by the externally visible changes and small lumps, at best by light bleeding when the cancer ulcerates. Only in rare cases can itching occur due to a kind of inflammatory reaction.

However, the affected area should not be scratched, as this can damage the skin, cause it to bleed and pathogens can get under the skin, causing inflammation. Severe itching, however, is initially more likely to be a sign of white skin cancer. Especially in the initial stages, white skin cancer is largely asymptomatic.

Pain on the skin or in the body is often only associated with the cancer if it is very advanced. An advanced finding on the skin can be accompanied by ulcers and bloody changes. This can lead to pain. In the rare case that the white skin cancer forms metastases in distant organs, this can also lead to pain. As a rule, however, localized pain is not among the typical symptoms.