What is the most deadly but least common form of skin cancer?

Melanoma is recognized as the most deadly form of skin cancer primarily due to its ability to metastasize, or spread, to other parts of the body. While it is less common than basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, which are far more prevalent yet typically have a lower mortality rate, melanoma's invasive nature significantly increases the risk of severe health outcomes if not detected and treated early.

The reason melanoma poses such a high risk lies in the behavior of its cells. These cancerous cells can grow rapidly and can migrate through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, allowing them to form tumors in vital organs. Early detection is crucial, as survival rates drop significantly once the cancer has spread beyond its original site.

Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are more common types of skin cancer; although they can be serious, they generally have a high cure rate and tend to stay localized. Keratoacanthoma is often considered a variant of squamous cell carcinoma and is also less deadly, commonly presenting as a benign tumor. The unique characteristics of melanoma differentiate it as the most dangerous skin cancer despite its lower incidence.