Compared to basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. This is because melanoma has a much higher chance of invading surrounding tissue and spreading to other parts of the body if not detected early enough.
If melanoma goes unnoticed and spreads to nearby lymph nodes, the survival rate is around 65%. If melanoma spreads to other, more distant parts of the body, the survival rate is about 25%. This is why it’s essential to have regular skin evaluations with a board-certified dermatologist. Early detection is key to providing timely and effective treatment.