Which skin cancer arises from melanocytes and can spread to other parts of the body?

• A. Basal Cell Carcinoma
• B. Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• C. Malignant Melanoma
• D. Dermatitis

Answer: (C)

Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells in the epidermis, and when cancer develops from these cells it is malignant melanoma. This type of cancer is known for its potential to spread beyond the skin to other parts of the body, through lymphatic and blood routes, making it the most aggressive among common skin cancers. Basal cell carcinoma arises from deeper epidermal cells but rarely spreads; squamous cell carcinoma can metastasize sometimes but is less likely to do so than melanoma; dermatitis is inflammation, not cancer. So the description—cancer that starts in melanocytes and can metastasize—fits malignant melanoma.