Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer accounting for approximately 80% of skin cancer cases. Basal cell carcinomas rarely spread to other parts of the body (metastasize), but they typically grow larger and deeper over time. As basal cell carcinomas grow, they can destroy surrounding tissue and body structures, for example cartilage.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. Similar to basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma grows larger and deeper over time. Squamous cell carcinoma can also invade and destroy skin and surrounding body parts that lay in its path. It has a slightly higher rate of metastasizing (spreading to other body parts), than basal cell carcinomas.
Melanoma
Melanoma is not as common as basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, however it is the most deadly type of skin cancer. If melanoma is caught and treated early, it is almost always curable. However, if caught late it can spread to other parts of the body and can be fatal. The standard treatment for melanoma caught early is surgical removal.