Which type of skin cancer is more aggressive and has a higher risk of metastasis?

Melanoma is recognized as the most aggressive type of skin cancer and is associated with a significantly higher risk of metastasis compared to other forms of skin cancer. Melanoma originates in melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells of the skin, and can rapidly grow and invade surrounding tissues. Its biological behavior allows it to spread to distant organs and lymph nodes more readily than basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.

While basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer and squamous cell carcinoma is more aggressive than basal cell in some contexts, neither typically presents the same metastatic potential as melanoma. Atypical nevi, although they may be precursors to melanoma and warrant monitoring due to their association with increased melanoma risk, do not constitute a type of skin cancer in themselves and do not exhibit invasive characteristics.

The aggressive nature of melanoma is characterized by its ability to metastasize to vital organs, leading to a higher mortality rate if not detected and treated early. This risk highlights the importance of early recognition of melanoma’s distinct features, such as asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colors, large diameter, and changes over time, which can facilitate prompt intervention.