Final answer:
Squamous cell carcinoma is the type of skin cancer that typically presents as a red, scaly base with a nonhealing sore and can usually be cured with surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of skin cancer described by the common features of a red, scaly base with a nonhealing sore is Squamous cell carcinoma. This skin cancer is the second most common form of skin cancer and often looks like a firm, red nodule or as a flat lesion with a scaly or crusty surface. It occurs in the squamous cells, which are the flattened, keratin-filled cells in the upper layers of the epidermis. Squamous cell carcinomas are generally localized and unlikely to metastasize; hence they can usually be cured with surgical procedures.