Guide to Cancer

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer generally consists of two forms - melanoma and non-melanoma. The most dangerous is melanoma. In almost every case there are three major forms of skin cancer – Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Basal Cell Carcinoma. They are all named based on the cell at which they begin. Basal Cell Carcinoma starts in the skin cells found in the lowest layer of epidermis, known as the basal layer. Squamous Cell Carcinoma begins at the upper level of the epidermis, known as the squamous layer. Melanoma starts from the melanocytes and these are the cells that gives color to the skin.

Basal Cell Cancer is one of the more commonly diagnosed skin cancers. It has an effect on the basal cells, found at the bottom layer of the epidermis. A tumor is formed from excessive proliferation of malignant cells from the epidermis. Age provides an increased risk of having skin cancer, In almost all cases, the affected can anticipate living another five years at least.

Though in general, it does not metastize, and consequently less deadly, it can still invade normal tissue and harm deeper tissues of muscles and bones, disfiguring the skin. Once returned, Basal cell carcinoma can do more damage. It can grow more rapidly and can result in more tissue damage.

With Squamous cell cancer, we have the proliferation and malignancy of squamous cells (scaly, flat). There are more squamous cells, also known as keratinocyte, than any other in the epidermis. Typically, the cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is localized, but the potential to metastize remains. When it's confined to the skin however, it is just a matter of procedure to treat and cure. Certain factors such as over exposure to the sun are factors which increase the chances of development of cutaneous squamous cell cancer.

Malignant melanoma is a fast growing, metastizing cancer that begins in the cells of the epidermis. Melanocytes, which are cells that produce pigments, become cancerous, grow and multiply at lightening speed. It is the worst type of skin cancer but is also the rarest. If detected and treated in it's early stages, it can be cured but in it's later stages, a cure is rare.

Melanoma skin cancer cells spread or metastize easier than non-melanoma skin cancer cells. They detach from the source tumor, make their way through the blood or lymphatic cells and grow within the body.

UV radiation is the most common cause for malignant melanoma.

There is no gender more at risk with skin cancer, it affects both in equal numbers. Typically, it occurs after the age of 50, though potentially any age is at risk. Melanoma is far more likely to develop within people with light skin than with dark skin.

The above information is intended to provide basic information only and is no way an attempt to provide professional medical advice. Only your doctor can provide that and should be consulted should you have any cause for concern. By all means, take into account the information provided here but it should only be secondary to the advice of your doctor.