Types of skin cancer
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world, even though it is easy to protect yourself against it. If skin cancer is found in time, it is easy to treat. Here you can read about the different types of skin cancer and what to look out for.
Medically reviewed by Martin Glud, consultant and specialist in dermatology, PhD
Updated 9 November 2026
Non-melanoma skin cancer
Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It can develop anywhere on the body, but is most often found on the head and neck. It is often a sore that won't heal, or a lump that bleeds or oozes. The area can also be flat, red and scaly.
Non-melanoma skin cancer
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It most often develops in areas that have had a lot of sun, such as the face, the hands and the scalp. It appears as a lump that grows quickly and forms a crust, and it can be tender and ooze. Squamous cell carcinoma can spread in the body, especially if it is on the lips or ears, or if you have a weakened immune system.
Precursor to skin cancer
Actinic keratosis
Actinic keratosis is one of the most common forms of sun damage to the skin. It most often develops on the face, ears, hands and scalp. It is a superficial change that can be a single patch or cover larger areas: small red or brownish patches that may be scaly, look leathery or feel rough. Actinic keratosis needs treatment, because it can develop into squamous cell carcinoma.
Malignant melanoma
Melanoma
Melanoma (malignant melanoma) is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It can develop at any age, whereas the other types of skin cancer more often affect older people. The most common sign is that a new or existing mole changes in size, shape or colour, or becomes uneven or thicker. Melanoma can spread in the body and must be treated as soon as possible. If you are worried about a mole, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Symptoms
What to look out for
Check your skin regularly, and pay particular attention to sores, lumps and moles that:
- grow or change colour or shape
- stand out from your other moles, sores or lumps
- are asymmetrical or have an uneven edge
- are scaly
- have several colours
- itch
- bleed or ooze
- don't heal
See a doctor if you notice a suspicious change in your skin. The sooner you are treated, the better.
Risk factors
Who is at risk?
Anyone can get skin cancer, but it most often affects people over 50 and people who have had a lot of sun during their lives. You are at greater risk of skin cancer if you:
- have fair skin or burn easily in the sun
- were sunburnt as a child
- have spent a lot of time in the sun for many years – at work or in your free time
- have often been in strong sun, for example on sunny holidays
- use or have used sunbeds
- have more than 50 moles
- have relatives who have died of skin cancer
- are over 50
- have had an organ transplant
Good advice
Act in time
Skin cancer can be treated, and the earlier it is found, the better the chance of a full recovery.
- Don't ignore symptoms in the hope that they will go away on their own.
- Don't wait to see how things develop, and don't try to treat yourself.
- Don't assume that it is probably nothing serious.
And above all: don't be afraid to book an appointment with a doctor if you are even slightly unsure about a change in your skin.
How to enjoy the sun safely
- Seek shade between 12:00 and 15:00, when the sun's UV radiation is strongest.
- If you can't stay in the shade, a wide-brimmed sun hat and a long-sleeved T-shirt are the best protection. There is clothing with built-in UV protection for both adults and children.
- Use sunscreen where your body isn't covered by clothing: SPF 15 in Denmark and SPF 30 in countries where the sun is stronger.
Private clinic
Unsure about a spot?
As a private clinic, we can offer short waiting times, and you don't need a referral. A specialist can look at a single spot or examine all of your skin.