Which type of skin cancer is most aggressive?

Melanoma is recognized as the most aggressive type of skin cancer primarily due to its ability to metastasize rapidly and extensively. Unlike basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, which typically remain localized and are associated with a much lower mortality rate, melanoma has a propensity to invade deeper layers of the skin and spread to other organs, including the lymph nodes, liver, brain, and lungs.

This aggressive nature is attributed to various factors, including the cellular characteristics of melanoma cells that enable them to evade the immune system and resist therapy. Early detection is critical, as the prognosis for patients with melanoma significantly improves when the cancer is identified at an earlier stage before it has a chance to spread. The potential for metastasis and the resulting impact on patient survival underscores why melanoma is considered the most dangerous and aggressive form of skin cancer.

While Merkel cell carcinoma is also highly aggressive, melanoma is often highlighted due to its higher incidence rate and the challenges it presents in treatment compared to other skin cancers, making it a significant concern in dermatology and oncology.