Skin cancer can kill you primarily when cancer cells spread (metastasize) beyond the skin to other parts of the body, such as internal organs. This spread makes the cancer life-threatening.

How Skin Cancer Causes Death

• Metastasis : Skin cancer cells can break away from the original tumor and travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to distant organs (like lungs, liver, or brain). When cancer spreads, it can disrupt the function of vital organs, leading to death

• Types of Skin Cancer and Their Deadliness :
  • Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer because it can spread rapidly to internal organs. If detected early, melanoma has a very high survival rate (over 99%), but if it spreads, the survival rate drops significantly

* **Squamous cell carcinoma** can also be deadly if not caught early. It can invade deeply into tissues and spread to lymph nodes or other organs. Advanced squamous cell carcinoma is life-threatening due to its aggressive spread

* **Basal cell carcinoma** is less likely to spread or cause death but can cause serious local tissue damage if untreated

• Progression and Impact :
  • When skin cancer spreads to vital organs, it impairs their function, which can lead to organ failure and death.
  • Advanced skin cancers can also invade nerves and muscles, causing severe disfigurement and complications

Summary

Skin cancer kills by spreading beyond the skin to other parts of the body, where it interferes with critical organ functions. Melanoma is the deadliest type due to its high potential to metastasize quickly. Squamous cell carcinoma can also be fatal if it advances. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent the cancer from spreading and becoming life-threatening