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Skin Cancer Basics

The Basics about Malignant Melanoma and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers

Jan 11, 2008 Leigh VanDeWalker

Learn the basic facts about basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma, as well as some statistics on skin cancer occurrence.

The skin is the largest organ of the body. It serves as a waterproof, protective barrier from outside threats such as heat, injury and infection. Through cell reproduction and renewal, the skin replaces itself approximately every three to four weeks. However, when cell reproduction begins to occur in an unorganized and uncontrolled fashion, skin cancer is the result.

Did You Know?

Over a million skin cancers are diagnosed every year?
One out of every 5 Americans will receive a diagnosis of skin cancer at some point in their lives?
Sun exposure causes over 90% of all skin cancers?

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. It is caused mainly by overexposure to the sun. It can also be caused by artificial ultraviolet radiation sources such as tanning beds and booths. In it’s early stages, skin cancer is nearly 100% curable. Skin cancer is also highly preventable by taking appropriate precautions to prevent or reduce ultraviolet exposure.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinomas are the most common form of skin cancer in the U.S. It arises in the basal cells, found deep in the epidermis below the squamous cells. This type of skin cancer tends to form on frequently exposed areas of the skin. It is characterized by a persistent sore or a pinkish growth with an indented center that may be crusted or open. Basal cell carcinoma has a low incidence of metastasis, or spreading.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer. It begins in the squamous cells, which comprise the uppermost layer of the skin. Squamous cell carcinoma is nearly always curable, but has been seen to metastasize, or spread to other body organs, in some advanced cases. They usually present as a crusted, scaly patch or ulcer that will not heal. This type of skin cancer is also most likely to form on areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck and arms.

Malignant Melanoma

Malignant melanoma forms in the melanocytes, which are the pigment- producing cells deep in the epidermis. Melanoma is the least common form of skin cancer, but it is by far the deadliest. Although melanoma has a cure rate of approximately 97% for very early cases, the 5-year survival rates plummet quickly as the disease progresses. Follow the ABCDE rule for early detection:

Asymmetry – One half of the mole does not match the other.

Border– The edge of the mole is not well defined, jagged looking, or color seems to spill out.

Color – Color is not consistent throughout the mole, more than one shade of black, brown, red, or even blue or white within same mole.

Diameter– Melanomas generally are more than 6-mm across, or bigger than the width of a pencil eraser.

Evolving – Any mole that is brand new or changing in color, size, shape or height, or any mole that develops symptoms, such as itching or bleeding.