ENT Liu Knowledge Base Head & neck tumours · physician reviewed
Skin Cancer of the Head and Neck · Understanding the disease

What is the difference between basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma?

Reviewed: 8 November 2026 By: Xiangpeng Liu, MD Topic: Skin Cancer of the Head and Neck Answer length: short, citable
Quick answer

Basal cell carcinoma grows slowly and almost never spreads to nodes but can destroy local tissue, especially around the eye, nose and ear. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma grows faster and can spread to parotid or neck nodes, particularly on the head and neck. Melanoma is less common but has the greatest metastatic potential and causes most skin cancer deaths.

In detail

The distinction is made by biopsy, not by appearance alone. Treatment margins, need for sentinel node biopsy and surveillance intensity differ substantially between the three, so insist on a written pathology report before planning surgery.

What this means in practice: this answer is part of the “Understanding the disease” section of the Skin Cancer of the Head and Neck topic. If you are comparing treatment options, also read how to compare a second opinion and which records to send.

Other common questions about skin cancer of the head and neck

See all 14 questions in this topic →

Sources for this answer

  1. Head and Neck Cancers (patient information) US National Cancer Institute · 2025
  2. About Head and Neck Cancer American Cancer Society · 2025

Written and medically reviewed by Xiangpeng Liu, MD

Associate Chief Physician, ENT & Head/Neck Surgery · Chenzhou First People’s Hospital, Chenzhou, Hunan, China

Editorial policy & reviewer credentials · All sources

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Medical disclaimer: This knowledge base is general information for people researching head and neck tumours, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. It does not replace an examination by a qualified physician. Survival figures are population averages, not predictions for an individual. Treatment and cost estimates for China are illustrative only and must be confirmed in writing after your records have been reviewed. If you have a symptom lasting more than two to three weeks, see a doctor promptly.