There are three major types of skin cancers: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. The first two skin cancers are grouped together as non-melanoma skin cancers. Other unusual types of skin cancer include Merkel cell tumors and dermatofibrosarcoma protruberans. Here are the basics on skin cancers: 1  The vast majority of skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas and squamous cells carcinomas. 2  While malignant, these are unlikely to spread to other parts of the body.