Is skin cancer serious?

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  A Dr. David L. Katz, MD, MPH , Preventive Medicine, answered

  Skin cancer is common overall, but the life-threatening kind is not. There are three general types of skin cancer: basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma. Only melanoma, which accounts for about 6% of skin-cancer cases, is fatal. Statistics show skin cancer is responsible for less than 2% of cancer deaths.
  
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  A Regional Medical Center answered

  Skin cancer can be serious, but, luckily, it is often treatable. If it is found early in its development, skin cancer is usually treated successfully. However, if left untreated, the cancer can spread throughout the body and may become life-threatening. This is especially the case with melanoma, which is considered more dangerous than other types of skin cancer because it is more likely to spread quickly. Because early diagnosis and treatment usually result in a successful recovery, it is important to talk to your doctor as soon as you notice any symptoms of skin cancer.

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  A Dr. Coren M. Menendez, MD , Family Medicine, answered on behalf of Baptist Health South Florida

  Skin cancer is very serious, although many people see developing skin cancer as no big deal compared with other forms of cancer. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, but basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers should not be ignored. These can be locally invasive and lead to disfigurement. Squamous cell carcinoma has been known to spread to other areas of the body as well.
  
  Skin cancer is easier to detect than other types of cancer, because we can see it. So we should pay attention to our skin.
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