Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world, affecting millions of people each year. It develops when skin cells grow abnormally, often triggered by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds.
While skin cancer is highly treatable when detected early, understanding its types is essential for recognizing warning signs and protecting your skin.
The three main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. Each type has unique features, risk factors, and treatment approaches.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common—and usually the least dangerous—form of skin cancer. It arises from the basal cells, which are found in the lower part of the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin).

what it looks like

BCC often appears as a small, shiny bump or pearly nodule on the face, neck, or other sun-exposed areas. It may also look like a flat, scaly patch or a sore that bleeds and doesn’t heal. Sometimes, it resembles eczema or psoriasis, making it easy to overlook.

risk factors

Long-term UV exposure is the primary cause of BCC. People with fair skin, light hair, or light eyes are more susceptible. Other factors include:

  • Frequent sunburns during childhood

  • Use of tanning beds

  • Weakened immune system

  • Family or personal history of skin cancer

diagnosis

A dermatologist typically performs a skin biopsy—removing a small tissue sample to examine under a microscope. This confirms the cancer type and determines its depth.

treatment options

Because BCC grows slowly and rarely spreads, treatment focuses on removing the tumor completely. Common options include:

  • Surgical excision – cutting out the cancer and a margin of healthy tissue

  • Mohs surgery – removing thin layers of skin until no cancer cells remain (best for facial areas)

  • Cryotherapy – freezing small lesions with liquid nitrogen

  • Topical medications – like imiquimod or 5-fluorouracil for superficial cancers

  • Radiation therapy – used when surgery isn’t possible

prognosis

BCC has an excellent prognosis when treated early. However, if left untreated, it can invade nearby tissues and cause disfigurement. People who have had one BCC are at higher risk of developing new ones, so regular skin checks are crucial.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It develops in the squamous cells, which make up most of the upper layers of the skin. SCC can grow faster than BCC and may occasionally spread to lymph nodes or other organs if untreated.

what it looks like

SCC typically appears as a red, scaly patch, a firm bump, or a sore that crusts and bleeds. It can develop on the face, ears, lips, hands, or any sun-exposed area. Some forms start as actinic keratoses—precancerous lesions caused by chronic sun exposure.

risk factors

Many risk factors overlap with BCC, but SCC is also linked to:

  • Chronic UV exposure and sun damage

  • Fair skin and light hair

  • Age over 50

  • Exposure to arsenic or certain chemicals

  • HPV infection (especially on genital skin)

  • Organ transplant or weakened immune system

diagnosis

Like BCC, SCC is diagnosed via biopsy. If the lesion is large or appears aggressive, imaging tests may check for spread to lymph nodes or other tissues.

treatment options

Treatment depends on the size and depth of the tumor:

  • Excisional surgery – removes the lesion with a safety margin

  • Mohs micrographic surgery – used for high-risk or facial SCCs

  • Curettage and electrodessication – scraping and burning off small lesions

  • Radiation therapy – for advanced or inoperable cases

  • Targeted or immunotherapy – for metastatic SCCs (e.g., cemiplimab or pembrolizumab)

prognosis

Most SCCs are curable when treated early. However, neglected cases can become locally invasive or metastatic, especially those on the lips, ears, or genitals. Consistent sun protection and early detection remain the best defense.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer because it can spread rapidly to other organs. It originates in melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells responsible for skin color.

what it looks like

Melanoma often resembles a new mole or a change in an existing mole. It may appear as an irregular dark spot with uneven borders and multiple colors (brown, black, red, or blue).
Dermatologists often use the ABCDE rule to identify suspicious moles:

  • A – Asymmetry: one half doesn’t match the other

  • B – Border: edges are irregular or blurred

  • C – Color: uneven shades or multiple colors

  • D – Diameter: larger than 6 mm (size of a pencil eraser)

  • E – Evolving: any change in size, shape, or color

risk factors

Melanoma risk is influenced by a mix of genetic and environmental factors:

  • Excessive sun exposure or tanning beds

  • Fair skin, freckles, or light hair

  • Family history of melanoma

  • Large number of moles or atypical moles

  • Weakened immune system

  • Severe sunburns, especially during childhood

diagnosis

Melanoma requires a skin biopsy for confirmation. If diagnosed, additional tests such as sentinel lymph node biopsy, CT scans, or PET scans may assess whether the cancer has spread.

treatment options

Early-stage melanomas are usually treated surgically. For advanced cases, treatment may include:

  • Wide excision surgery – removing the tumor with surrounding tissue

  • Immunotherapy – drugs like pembrolizumab or nivolumab boost immune response

  • Targeted therapy – for patients with BRAF or MEK gene mutations

  • Radiation therapy – to control spread or reduce symptoms

  • Chemotherapy – used less often today, reserved for resistant cases

prognosis

The prognosis depends on tumor thickness and stage at diagnosis. Early melanomas have survival rates above 95%, but once it spreads, outcomes are less favorable. Skin checks and mole monitoring are key to early detection and saving lives.

Less Common Types

While BCC, SCC, and melanoma make up the majority of cases, other rare skin cancers include:

  • Merkel cell carcinoma: an aggressive neuroendocrine tumor often found in older adults.

  • Kaposi sarcoma: linked to human herpesvirus 8, common in immunocompromised patients.

  • Cutaneous lymphoma: cancer of the skin’s lymphocytes.
    These require specialized treatments and are often managed by oncologists with multidisciplinary teams.

Prevention Tips

Preventing skin cancer starts with daily protection and regular self-checks. You can dramatically reduce your risk with simple habits:

  • Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) every day

  • Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses

  • Avoid tanning beds

  • Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

  • Perform monthly skin self-exams and note any changes

  • See a dermatologist once a year for a professional check

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical advice if you notice:

  • A mole or spot that changes rapidly

  • A sore that doesn’t heal within weeks

  • Persistent itching, bleeding, or pain on the skin
    Early detection greatly improves the outcome for all types of skin cancer. If caught soon, most skin cancers are completely curable.

Living After Skin Cancer

Surviving skin cancer means adopting new habits for lifelong protection. Follow-up visits are essential to monitor for recurrence or new lesions.

  • Healthy lifestyle: eat antioxidant-rich foods, stay hydrated, and maintain overall wellness.

  • Emotional care: anxiety about recurrence is common; seek support if needed.

  • Sun-smart mindset: make sunscreen, shade, and regular checkups part of your routine.
    Your skin tells your story—treat it with care and awareness.

Key Takeaway

Understanding the three main types of skin cancer—basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma—helps you recognize danger signs early. Protecting your skin from UV exposure and scheduling regular checkups are the most effective ways to prevent serious outcomes.
Early detection isn’t just life-saving—it’s empowering. Know your skin, and take charge of your health today.