What is skin cancer?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Skin cancer is characterized by uncontrolled, abnormal cell growth on the skin, and various types arise from different skin cells. The 3 main types are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma; BCC and SCC are known as nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC).

    Skin cancer refers to uncontrolled, abnormal cell growth occurring on the skin. There are various types of skin cancer, each arising from a different type of skin cell. As a result, the different skin cancer subtypes vary with respect to their signs, severity, and treatment options. The three main types of skin cancer are Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and Melanoma, with BCC and SCC collectively referred to as nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC).[1]