Field Notes · January 8, 2026 · 6 min · By Hector Lindelof
Basal cell vs. squamous cell carcinoma: the two most common skin cancers
Both are usually curable, and Mohs treats both, here is how they differ.
The two most common skin cancers, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), are both highly treatable, and Mohs surgery is a primary treatment for both, but they behave somewhat differently.
BCC is the most common skin cancer overall. It grows slowly, rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but can be locally destructive if neglected, burrowing into surrounding tissue. It often appears as a pearly bump, a non-healing sore, or a scaly patch in sun-exposed areas. SCC is the second most common; it also arises from sun damage, can look like a firm bump or scaly, crusted lesion, and carries a somewhat higher (though still low for most cases) risk of spreading, making timely treatment important. For an independent overview, see Basal cell carcinoma: signs, causes, and treatment.
Both are driven largely by cumulative ultraviolet exposure, which is why they favor the face, ears, scalp, and hands. The reassuring reality is that caught early, both have excellent cure rates, and Mohs offers the highest. The key is not ignoring a new, changing, or non-healing spot, early treatment of either cancer is simpler and more conserving than late.
A few principles hold across skin cancer care. The right plan is the one matched to the tumor type, its location, and your individual risk, not a one-size-fits-all rule. For cancers on the face and other sensitive areas, margin checking and tissue conservation matter most, which is where Mohs surgery earns its reputation. Ask why a given approach fits your specific lesion before any treatment begins.
Outcomes also depend on realistic staging and good aftercare. A careful consultation should set out the expected timeline in plain terms, name the recovery, explain how the wound will be repaired, and describe the plan if a side effect appears. Final cosmetic results are best judged over months as the skin remodels, and steady, sun-protected scar care helps the repair settle.
For independent background on this topic, see Basal cell carcinoma: signs, causes, and treatment, and review the full source list below. This article is editorial reporting and is not a substitute for a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist.