Which term describes the most common form of skin cancer arising from basal cells?

Which term describes the most common form of skin cancer arising from basal cells?

• A. Basal Cell Carcinoma
• B. Malignant Melanoma
• C. Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• D. Dermatitis

Answer: (A)

Skin cancers differ by the cells they originate from, and basal cell carcinoma is the most common form, arising from basal cells in the epidermis after UV damage. It typically grows slowly and rarely spreads to distant sites, so treatment—usually surgical removal—often has an excellent outcome. In contrast, melanoma comes from pigment-producing melanocytes and is more likely to metastasize, while squamous cell carcinoma comes from keratinocytes and can invade surrounding tissue. Dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition, not cancer.

Skin cancers differ by the cells they originate from, and basal cell carcinoma is the most common form, arising from basal cells in the epidermis after UV damage. It typically grows slowly and rarely spreads to distant sites, so treatment—usually surgical removal—often has an excellent outcome. In contrast, melanoma comes from pigment-producing melanocytes and is more likely to metastasize, while squamous cell carcinoma comes from keratinocytes and can invade surrounding tissue. Dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition, not cancer.