What is the most common type of skin cancer?

Basal cell carcinoma is indeed the most common type of skin cancer. It arises from the basal cells found in the epidermis, which is the outer layer of skin. This form of skin cancer is typically caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds.

One of the defining characteristics of basal cell carcinoma is its slow growth, which often allows for effective treatment when detected early. The cancer rarely metastasizes or spreads to other parts of the body, making it less dangerous than other forms of skin cancer, such as melanoma.

It is important to note that while melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and lentigo maligna are also notable skin cancers, they occur less frequently. Melanoma is particularly aggressive and has a higher mortality rate, even though it represents a smaller percentage of skin cancer cases overall. Squamous cell carcinoma, while more common than melanoma, does not surpass the incidence of basal cell carcinoma. Lentigo maligna, while significant, is a subtype of melanoma and ranks lower in prevalence among skin cancers.

Understanding these differences in types and prevalence helps in reinforcing the importance of regular skin check-ups and protection from UV exposure to minimize the risk of developing skin cancers, particularly the more common basal cell carcinoma