Skin cancer types The skin is made of a variety of cells, many of which are in constant motion. Round basal cells below the surface flatten as they rise to replace dead, flaking squamous cells on the surface. Melanocytes tan the skin in the sunlight, and Merkel cells give skin its ability to sense touch.
Skin cancer begins when cells in the skin start to grow uncontrollably. There are 3 main types of cells in the top layer of the skin (called the epidermis): Squamous cells: These are flat cells in the outer part of the epidermis that are constantly shed as new ones form.
What Are Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers?
Basal cell carcinoma. This the most common type of skin cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma. About 2 out of 10 skin cancers are squamous cell carcinomas…
Melanoma. These cancers develop from melanocytes, the pigment-making cells of the skin.
Less common types of skin cancer. Other types…