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Keratinocyte Carcinoma
Keratinocyte Carcinoma
Keratinocyte carcinoma, the main classification of non-melanoma skin cancer, is by far the most common cancer in the U.S. There are two types: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, which account for about 80 percent and 20 percent of all cases, respectively.
- Basal cell carcinoma: Occurs in basal cells, which are located on the lowest level of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). This cancer is usually slow growing and very rarely spreads to nearby lymph nodes.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: Occurs in squamous cells, found at the outermost level of the epidermis. This cancer is more likely to spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body.
Attribution: Pictured above: Basal cell carcinoma
By MedHelp Editors, published June 14, 2011
