ABSTRACT
Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) are a heterogeneous group of skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). BCC rarely metastasizes, while SCC has a metastatic rate between 1.2% and 4%. MCC is a rare neoplasm with aggressive behavior and high metastasizing potential. Metastasis is a process that occurs when tumor cells escape local controls, move from their primary site, and subsequently colonize a new environment. As cancer cells accumulate mutations in genes implicated in various processes, they acquire the necessary abilities to metastasize. However, the microenvironment, immune system, and additional factors contribute to the metastatic process. In this chapter, we explore the molecular and biological processes underlying the pathogenesis and metastatic progression of BCC, SCC, and MCC.
