There are four main types of skin cancer, in order of frequency: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma. Each has a different appearance, prognosis and treatment. The following are generalizations meant for educational purposes, and do not apply to all cancers. I have seen all types of skin cancer in all types of skin. See a dermatologist if you have a spot on your skin that is new, has changed or doesn’t seem quite right. This blog is not a substitute for an evaluation by a professional.
Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of cancer of any organ, worldwide. They tend to occur in lighter skinned people in sun exposed areas and increase in frequency with the amount of sun exposure. They are not typically life threatening, but they are locally destructive, and the impact of that will depend on location. They are typically pink and shiny or scaly. They can bleed or scab.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is similarly most commonly found in lighter skinned people with lots of sun exposure in the past, in sun exposed areas. They are also typically pink and scaly, grow slowly and can bleed or scab. Some more aggressive types can grow quickly and are then often mistaken for a wart or a splinter that doesn’t heal. They may be painful or itch. They are usually easily treated but can be deadly if not caught early.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. It accounts for about 1% of all skin cancers, but most skin cancer deaths. It is estimated that more than 104,960 melanomas will be diagnosed in the United States this year, and over 8,430 Americans will die of melanoma (American Cancer Society. “Key statistics for melanoma skin cancer.” Last updated 1/15/2025. Melanoma is highly curable when caught early but can be dangerous even when very small. Most melanomas are diagnosed on routine skin cancer screening exams, so this is where partnering with a dermatologist is essential.
Merkel cell carcinoma
Finally, a skin cancer most have not heard of: Merkel cell carcinoma. This is the rarest type of skin cancer, with about 2000 cases diagnosed annually in the United States. It’s also a very dangerous skin cancer. These are most common in lighter skinned individuals, in areas most exposed to the sun (face, neck, arms). It tends to grow quickly, and is described as a firm, pink, red or purple bump.
