What is the most common type of skin cancer?

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for a significant majority of skin cancer cases. It originates in the basal cells, which are located in the lower part of the epidermis. This type of cancer is typically associated with long-term sun exposure and can appear as a small, flesh-colored, or pink bump or as a sore that heals and re-opens.

One of the reasons basal cell carcinoma is so prevalent is due to the skin's exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds, which damages the DNA in skin cells and can lead to uncontrolled growth.

While squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma are also types of skin cancer, they occur with less frequency than basal cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma typically arises from the squamous cells in the upper layers of the skin and can have more aggressive behavior than basal cell carcinoma but is still less common overall. Melanoma, although often more deadly, is the rarest of the three common types of skin cancer. Keratoacanthoma is considered a variant of squamous cell carcinoma and is also less common than basal cell carcinoma.

Understanding the differences between these types is essential for recognizing risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early detection