Skin Cancer

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is a malignant growth originating from the skin cells. It ranks as the most prevalent form of cancer in the United States. There are various types of skin cancer, each with unique characteristics and causes. Nonetheless, prolonged exposure to sunlight or sunburn stands out as the primary risk factor for most of these cancers. The most frequently diagnosed individual skin cancers include:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): The most common type of skin cancer. BCCs arise from the basal cells, which are located in the lower part of the epidermis. They rarely spread to other parts of the body but can be locally destructive if not treated.

• Melanoma: Originating from pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes, melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer. If not detected early, it can spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening.

• Merkel cell carcinoma: A rare and aggressive form of skin cancer that arises from Merkel cells, primarily found at the base of the epidermis. It's often associated with a virus known as the Merkel cell polyomavirus.

• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): SCC originates from the squamous cells in the upper layer of the epidermis. It can sometimes spread to lymph nodes and internal organs if left untreated.