Author
Home > Health > What is the Difference Between Basal Cell and Squamous Cell?

Guilherme Mazui

•3 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Basal Cell and Squamous Cell?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main difference between basal cell and squamous cell lies in the type of skin cells they originate from and their appearance. Both basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are the two most common types of skin cancer, occurring in the basal and squamous layers of the skin, respectively.

Basal cells:

  • Round cells found in the lower part of the epidermis
  • Form the basal cell layer, which is the deepest layer of the epidermis
  • Constantly divide to form new cells to replace the squamous cells that wear off the skin

Squamous cells:

  • Thin, flat cells that form the top layer of the epidermis
  • Shed as new ones form
  • Squamous cell carcinoma is more likely than basal cell carcinoma to grow into deeper layers of skin

Basal cell carcinoma usually appears as a pearly pink or white, dome-shaped papule with prominent telangiectatic surface vessels. On the other hand, squamous cell carcinoma commonly appears as a firm, smooth, or hyperkeratotic papule or plaque, often with central ulceration.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Basal Cell and Squamous Cell?
  • Comparative Table: Basal Cell vs Squamous Cell

    • Comparative Table: Basal Cell vs Squamous Cell

    Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the two most common types of skin cancer. They have some differences in their characteristics, causes, and treatment. Here is a table comparing the two:

    Feature Basal Cell Carcinoma Squamous Cell Carcinoma
    Cells Basal keratinocytes of the epidermis, hair follicles, and eccrine sweat ducts Squamous cells found in the top part of the epidermis
    Appearance Pearly pink or white, dome-shaped papule with telangiectatic surface vessels Scaly or rough patches of skin that bleed or crust over without healing; growths with raised edges and depressed centers
    Location Typically occurs on sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the face, neck, and hands Can occur anywhere squamous cells are found, including sun-exposed areas and mucous membranes of the body
    Malignancy Less aggressive, slower-growing, and does not tend to metastasize More aggressive, with the potential to spread and become life-threatening
    Causes Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, fair skin Prolonged exposure to UV radiation, immunosuppressive agents, fair skin
    Treatment Mohs surgery, cryotherapy, radiation therapy, topical chemotherapy, and excision Mohs surgery, cryotherapy, radiation therapy, topical chemotherapy, and excision

    Both basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas can be treated with similar methods, but the choice of treatment may vary depending on the aggressiveness of the cancer and its location. It is essential to identify and treat skin cancers early on to prevent complications.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.