Types of Skin Cancer

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There are three common types of skin cancer in the United States: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare type of skin cancer. Fred Hutch Cancer Center has specialists treating all skin cancer types, including rare forms.

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Skin Cancer Types

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), also called basal cell skin cancer, makes up about 80% of skin cancers. 

  • This disease is caused by sun exposure and is usually found on sun-exposed areas of the skin, like the scalp, forehead, face, nose, neck and back.
  • It is most common in older men who worked outdoors for many years, but the number of women diagnosed with basal cell skin cancer has been rising and the average age at diagnosis has been dropping.
  • Basal cell skin cancer grows slowly and rarely spreads. If untreated, however, it may eventually spread to other tissues. 
Learn About BCC Signs and Symptoms

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), also called squamous cell skin cancer, makes up about 20% of skin cancers.

  • It affects the middle layer of the skin and may occur on any part of the body, including the mucous membranes (soft, moist tissue that lines parts of the body).
  • Sun exposure is the most common cause. Squamous cell skin cancer often appears in areas exposed to the sun, including the face, neck, scalp, lower lip and rim of the ear.
  • Squamous cell skin cancer often starts as a precancerous condition called actinic keratosis.
  • It is relatively slow growing, but more aggressive than basal cell skin cancer. 
  • Squamous cell skin cancer has a high cure rate, about 95%, if detected early and treated. If squamous cell skin cancer is not treated, however, it may spread to other parts of the body.
Learn About SCC Signs and Symptoms

Melanoma

Melanoma skin cancer begins in melanocytes, which are cells that produce pigment (melanin) in the skin. While it most often appears on sun-damaged skin, melanoma can develop in other less obvious places, too, like under the nails, on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet, as well as inside the mouth and eyes.

Learn More About Melanoma

Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare type of skin cancer in which cancerous cells are found on or just beneath the skin. A quick diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to cure this disease.

Learn More About MCC

Other Types of Skin Cancer

  • Kaposi’s sarcoma: Generally starts as a small bruise-like area and then develops into a tumor. It often occurs in people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
  • Mycosis fungoides: Type of lymphoma (a cancer of immune cells) that starts on the skin. It usually begins as a rash on the buttocks, hips, or lower abdomen. It can be missed because it looks similar to skin allergies and other types of skin irritation. 
  • Adnexal tumors: Appear as bumps within the skin.
  • Skin sarcomas: Appear as large masses under the skin’s surface.

Skin Cancer Types FAQ

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. When it’s detected and treated early, the cure rate is high. Fred Hutch offers comprehensive treatment from a team of experts who specialize in all types of skin cancers.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer with about 8 out of 10 skin cancers being basal cell carcinomas.

Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the main types of nonmelanoma skin cancers.

The skin has several layers, but the two main ones are the upper or outer layer, called the epidermis, and the lower or inner layer, called the dermis. Skin cancer starts in the epidermis, which is made up of squamous cells, basal cells and melanocytes. When these cells are damaged, such as through sun exposure, they can result in changes to the texture of the skin, premature aging of the skin and sometimes skin cancer.