What is the difference between "malignant melanoma" and "basal cell carcinoma"?

Different origin : Both are skin cancers. Both are primarily treated by surgery. The major difference is that melanoma and basal cell skin cancers come from different cells in the skin structure, melanocytes and basal cells respectively, and therefore are intrinsically and genetically distinct.

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.