What are three main types of skin cancer?

The three main types of skin cancer are squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma, according to WebMD. Squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma are collectively called nonmelanoma skin cancers.

Basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas make up the majority of skin cancers, notes WebMD. They rarely spread to other body areas despite being malignant. Early treatment is necessary to prevent them from disfiguring the affected body part. Malignant melanomas, on the other hand, constitute a smaller fraction of skin cancers and usually spread to other body parts. Malignant melanomas should be treated while in their preliminary stages to avoid possible death.