Which type of skin cancer is characterized by a raised shiny lesion?

Basal cell carcinoma is characterized by a raised, shiny lesion that often appears on sun-exposed areas of the skin, especially the face, ears, and neck. This type of skin cancer arises from basal cells, which are located in the outermost layer of the skin. The lesions can be pearly or waxy in appearance, and they might bleed or develop a crust. Understanding the characteristics of basal cell carcinoma is crucial for early detection and treatment, as it is the most common type of skin cancer but typically has a very good prognosis when caught early.

In contrast, squamous cell carcinoma usually presents as a firm, red bump or a flat lesion with a scaly crust, differing from the shiny, raised appearance of basal cell carcinoma. Malignant melanoma can appear as a new mole or an existing mole that changes, often showing irregular borders and varied colors rather than a shiny surface. Tinea versicolor is a fungal skin condition rather than a type of cancer and manifests through discolored patches of skin, lacking the raised and shiny characteristics associated with basal cell carcinoma.