What are squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma?

3 skin cancers: These are the three most common cancers to arise in skin. Basal cell carcinoma will kill only by invading a deep structure such as the brain. Squamous skin cancers tend to be slow and spread late. Melanomas are extremely treacherous and hated. All often but not always result from lots of sunlight.

Types of cancer: Malignant melanoma is a type of cancer that originates from the melanocytes. It often travels to distant locations in the body and is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma rarely travels to other parts of the body, but will recur locally if not treated appropriately. Squamous cell carcinoma rarely travels to other parts of the body.