What is the difference between skin cancer and skin tumor

I believe that people know more about skin tumors than skin cancer. Although they are both skin diseases, they are very different. However, they also have a similarity, that is, they must be treated in time. So what is the difference between skin cancer and skin tumors? Let's learn about it together.

The symptoms of precancerous lesions of skin cancer, such as solar keratosis and keratoacanthoma, are very similar and difficult to distinguish. Solar keratosis has rough erythema that is higher than the skin surface and covered with scales. After removing the scales, the erythema often has no obvious protrusion. This is very similar to the erythema-like papules with clear boundaries and slightly higher than the skin surface of squamous cell carcinoma in situ, but the scales and crusts of the latter are more obvious, and the lesions are more substantial. Keratoacanthoma often occurs in exposed areas to sunlight. Without any warning signs, smooth red nodules will quickly appear within 2 to 3 weeks. There is a keratin embolus in the center, and dilated capillaries can be seen at the edge of the nodule. The nodules of squamous cell carcinoma that is distinguished from it are not smooth, and the edges of the nodules are translucent.
Skin tumors can be divided into benign and malignant. Generally speaking, benign tumors have clear boundaries, neat edges, smooth surfaces, and are roughly symmetrical. Histological examination shows that the size and shape of the tumor cell nuclei are consistent and arranged regularly. Although they can grow very large, their growth is not destructive and they do not metastasize. In contrast, malignant tumors have unclear boundaries, irregular edges, and may ulcerate and bleed on the surface. The tumor is asymmetrical. Histological examination shows that the size and shape of the tumor cell nuclei are inconsistent and arranged irregularly. The tumor grows in an invasive and destructive manner and will eventually metastasize.