Which Type of Skin Cancer Is Most Dangerous?
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK and worldwide. While some types are slow-growing and easily treated, others can be aggressive, spread quickly, and become life-threatening. Among them, one type stands out as the most dangerous: melanoma.
In this article, we'll explore the types of skin cancer, what makes melanoma so serious, how to spot it early, and what you can do to reduce your risk.
Main Types of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer falls into two main categories:
- Non-melanoma skin cancers: Includes basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
- Melanoma: The most aggressive and dangerous form, accounting for the majority of skin cancer deaths despite being less common.
Each type originates from different skin cells and varies in terms of severity, treatment, and potential to spread.
1. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, making up about 75–80% of all cases. It originates in the basal cells of the skin’s lower epidermis. While BCC is very rarely fatal, it can cause significant local damage if left untreated.
- Slow-growing and usually non-spreading
- Appears as a pearly bump or flat scar-like lesion
- Often caused by long-term sun exposure
Though BCC is the most frequently diagnosed, it’s also the least likely to spread to other parts of the body.
2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
SCC is the second most common skin cancer. It develops in the squamous cells that make up the middle and outer layers of the skin.
- Can spread to lymph nodes if not treated early
- Appears as a scaly, red patch or a firm bump
- More likely to grow aggressively than BCC
Though more serious than BCC, SCC is usually treatable when detected early.
3. Melanoma: The Most Dangerous Skin Cancer
Melanoma starts in the melanocytes—the pigment-producing cells in the skin. It is the rarest of the three major types, but by far the most lethal.
- Accounts for about 16,700 new cases per year in the UK
- Responsible for nearly 2,300 deaths annually in the UK
- Can spread quickly to organs such as the lungs, liver, brain, or bones
Early-stage melanoma is highly treatable. However, once it spreads (metastasises), the survival rate drops significantly. That’s why awareness and early diagnosis are critical.
Why Is Melanoma So Dangerous?
Several factors make melanoma life-threatening:
- It grows quickly and can spread to other parts of the body within weeks or months.
- It can be hard to detect early if it appears in hidden areas like the scalp, under nails, or inside the mouth.
- It often mimics harmless moles or freckles, making self-diagnosis difficult.
Unlike non-melanoma skin cancers, which are mainly localised, melanoma poses a serious risk of systemic spread and long-term complications.
Signs and Symptoms of Melanoma
Use the ABCDE rule to identify possible melanomas:
- A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.
- B – Border: Irregular, ragged, or blurred edges.
- C – Colour: Varies in colour (brown, black, red, white, or blue).
- D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- E – Evolving: Changes in size, shape, colour, or symptoms like itching or bleeding.
Unusual growths, new moles, or existing moles that begin to change should always be checked by a dermatologist.
Common Sites of Melanoma
Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body but tends to appear in the following areas:
- Men: Back, chest, head, or neck
- Women: Legs, arms, or back
- Dark-skinned individuals: Palms, soles, under fingernails or toenails
What Increases the Risk of Melanoma?
Risk factors include:
- Excessive sun exposure or sunburns, especially in childhood
- Use of tanning beds or lamps
- Fair skin, light eyes, and a tendency to burn rather than tan
- Family history of skin cancer
- Having many or unusual moles
- Weakened immune system
In the UK, rising overseas travel and tanning culture have led to increasing melanoma cases in recent years.
Diagnosis and Staging
If melanoma is suspected, your doctor may recommend:
- Skin biopsy (excisional, punch, or shave)
- Imaging tests like CT or PET scans if metastasis is suspected
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy to check spread
Melanomas are staged from 0 (in situ) to IV (advanced spread), and treatment varies accordingly.
Treatment Options
1. Surgery
Excision is the primary treatment for early-stage melanoma, with high success rates.
2. Immunotherapy
Medications like pembrolizumab and nivolumab help the body’s immune system attack melanoma cells—especially effective in stage III and IV cases.
3. Targeted Therapy
Drugs targeting BRAF gene mutations (like dabrafenib) are used for advanced melanoma with specific genetic profiles.
4. Radiation Therapy
Used in certain high-risk cases or when surgery is not feasible.
5. Chemotherapy
Less common now but still used for certain advanced or recurring cases.
Melanoma Survival Rates
According to Cancer Research UK:
- Stage 1 melanoma: Over 95% 10-year survival rate
- Stage 2: Around 80–90%
- Stage 3: Approximately 50–70%
- Stage 4: Drops to about 15–20%
Clearly, early detection is critical to survival. Regular self-checks and skin screenings are lifesaving tools.
Preventing Melanoma and Other Skin Cancers
- Wear sunscreen with SPF 30+ year-round
- Avoid peak sun hours (11 am to 3 pm)
- Wear hats, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing
- Never use tanning beds
- Check your skin monthly and note any changes
- Visit a dermatologist annually if you're high-risk
Internal Links to Related Topics
- How Serious Is Basal Cell Skin Cancer?
- How Dangerous Is Skin Cancer?
- Browse All Skin Health Articles
FAQs: Most Dangerous Skin Cancer
Q1. Which type of skin cancer is most likely to spread?Melanoma is the most likely to metastasise and spread to other organs, making it the deadliest form.
Q2. How often should I check my skin?Once a month for self-examinations. Visit a dermatologist annually or more often if you’re high-risk.
Q3. Can melanoma develop in young people?Yes. Melanoma is one of the most common cancers in people aged 15–34, especially young women.
Q4. Is melanoma always caused by sun exposure?No, although UV exposure is a major cause, some melanomas appear in areas not exposed to the sun.
Q5. Can I survive melanoma?Yes. Survival rates are very high if caught early. Advanced melanoma is harder to treat but newer therapies offer hope.
Final Thoughts
Melanoma may be less common than other skin cancers, but it is by far the most dangerous. The good news? It’s largely preventable and highly treatable when diagnosed early. Stay sun safe, be proactive with your skin health, and never ignore a changing mole or lesion. Early action saves lives.