What are the differences between melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma?

Different cell types: Melanomas originate from pigment producing cells called melanocytes, whereas squamous cell carcinomas from squamous cells in the skin. They appear different clinically. The former most frequently have irregular borders and many shades of brown, whereas the latter is often red scaly crusty plaques. However, rarely melanomas can loose their pigment and look like squamous cell ca.

Different skin cells: Melanoma and basal cell carcinoma are both skin cancers. But, they originate from different types of cells in the skin. This likely is the reason that their clinical behavior is so different. Basal cell carcinoma is much more common, but is also much less likely to metastasize.

Ability to kill: Melanoma of the skin is often fatal as opposed to squamous cell cancer of the skin.

Symptoms: There are several different types of skin cancers. The main three are squamous, cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Squamous cell the skin begins as a small nodule and as it enlarges the center becomes necrotic and sloughs and the nodule turns into an ulcer. Basal cell patients present with a shiny, pearly nodule. Melanoma patients have an irregularly appearing pigmented lesion.