Skin Cancer

WHAT IS IT?

There are 3 main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (which are referred to as nonmelanoma skin cancer) and melanoma. Melanoma is the rarest and most serious form of the disease. The epidermis is made up of squamous cells, basal cells, and melanocytes. Melanocytes are the cells from which melanoma begins to develop. They are found throughout the lower part of the epidermis. They produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its natural color.
When melanoma starts in the skin, the disease is called cutaneous melanoma. Melanoma may also occur in the eye and is called intraocular or ocular melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (nonmelanoma skin cancer) are the most common forms of skin cancer. The number of new cases of skin cancer appears to be increasing each year. The number of deaths due to non melanoma skin cancer, however, is fairly small.

RISK FACTORS

• Unusual moles.
• Exposure to natural sunlight, including sunburns during childhood.
• Exposure to artificial ultraviolet light
• Family or personal history of melanoma.
• Red or blond hair.
• White or light-colored skin and freckles.
• Blue eyes.

To learn more about skin cancer, click here (PDF file).