Final answer:
The most common and least severe type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma, which often appears as light, pearly nodules. It originates from the cells in the stratum basale of the epidermis. Other types of skin cancers include squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, which are more severe and fatal compared to basal cell carcinoma.
Step-by-step explanation:
The skin cancer characterized by light, pearly nodules is known as basal cell carcinoma. This form of cancer originates from the mitotically active stem cells in the stratum basale of the epidermis. It is the most common and least severe type of skin cancer, often found on areas of the body most susceptible to sun exposure, such as the head, neck, arms, and back. Basal cell carcinomas typically appear as uneven patches, bumps, growths, or scars on the skin surface. They can also result from exposure to agents like radiation and arsenic, or from skin wounds due to open sores, tattoos, or burns.
While basal cell carcinoma is the least severe, other forms of skin cancer like squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma are more aggressive. Melanoma is the most fatal of skin cancers, characterized by the uncontrolled growth of melanocytes, which typically starts from a mole. In contrast, squamous cell carcinoma affects the keratinocytes in the stratum spinosum, presenting as lesions and commonly found on parts of the body like the scalp, ears, and hands.
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