| One of the most prevalent cases of cancer is | | | | even when the skin does not require them. The |
| skin cancer. In the US alone it is estimated that 1 | | | | development of surplus skin cells can result to a |
| million citizens are affected with this kind of | | | | mass of tissue which is called as tumor. Tumors |
| disease. It is important that we are aware of how | | | | may be non-cancerous or they may be |
| skin cancer develops and how it can be | | | | cancerous. The name of skin cancers refer to the |
| prevented to avoid its fatal consequences. | | | | type of cells in which they grow. |
| In order to understand how skin cancer develops, | | | | There are various types of skin cancer although |
| one should first have an idea on the parts of the | | | | the three most prevalent are melanoma, |
| skin and how they function. | | | | squamous cell cancer, and basal cell carcinoma. |
| The skin is composed of two layers - the | | | | Melanoma results from the uncontrolled increase in |
| outermost part is called the epidermis while the | | | | melanocytes or pigment cells. This type of skin |
| innermost part is called the dermis. The epidermis | | | | cancer is usually common among male Caucasians |
| is composed of flat cells called squamos cells. | | | | especially those who live in sunny climates. It is |
| Under them are round cells referred to as basal | | | | estimated that 50,000 people worldwide die from |
| cells. There are also the melanocytes cells which | | | | Melanoma every year. |
| form the color of the skin and are found in the | | | | Squamous cell cancer may result from too much |
| lower portion of the skin's epidermis. | | | | x-ray exposure, chemical exposure, prolonged |
| Just underneath the epidermis is the dermis | | | | exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and old age. It |
| containing lymph and blood vessels as well as | | | | usually affects people who are aged 50 and over. |
| glands. Some of these produce sweat that helps | | | | Those who have inflamed or injured skin and who |
| the body to cool down. Some glands also produce | | | | are regularly exposed to the sun have high risks |
| sebum, an oily material which helps the skin to | | | | of getting this type of skin cancer. |
| remain moisturized. Both sweat and sebum are | | | | The most common type of skin cancer, basal cell |
| able to reach the skin's surface by going through | | | | carcinoma usually is found on the neck and head. |
| pores. | | | | While it is not fatal, basal cell carcinoma can |
| Just like in any part of the body, cells are | | | | disfigure one's appearance. It is estimated that |
| considered as the skin's basic units. Skin cells | | | | 30% of Caucasians are affected by this type of |
| expand and multiply into new cells. Skin cells also | | | | skin cancer. |
| die, leaving new cells to further develop. | | | | Like in most cases of cancer, skin cancer can be |
| However, the process can be hampered when old | | | | treated through chemo and immuno therapy, and |
| cells refuse to die, or when new cells develop | | | | radiation therapy. |