About Skin Cancer
Skin cancer begins in the cells of the skin's epidermis. It occurs when abnormal skin cells grow uncontrollably due to damage to their DNA, often caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds.
The three most common forms of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, with melanoma being the most dangerous. Because melanomas can spread quickly to other parts of the body, early diagnosis and treatment of these cancers is extremely important.
Learn more about the different types of skin cancer, symptoms and risk factors and how to find a local skin cancer expert near you.
Symptoms and Risk Factors of Skin Cancer
Nonmelanoma skin cancers form in the epidermis and rarely spread to other parts of the body. The most common types of skin cancer are both nonmelanoma cancers: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Actinic keratosis is a skin condition that sometimes becomes squamous cell carcinoma.
Symptoms
- Areas of the skin that are:
- Raised, and red or reddish-brown
- Raised, smooth, shiny, and look pearly
- Firm and look like a scar, and may be white, yellow, or waxy
- Scaly, bleeding or crusty
- A sore that does not heal
Risk Factors
- Being exposed to arsenic
- Being exposed to natural sunlight or artificial sunlight (such as from tanning beds) over long periods of time
- Having a fair complexion, which includes blue or green or other light-colored eyes; fair skin that freckles and burns easily, does not tan, or tans poorly; red or blond hair
- Having a weakened immune system
- Having actinic keratosis
- Having certain changes in the genes that are linked to skin cancer
- Past treatment with radiation
Melanoma is a rare form of skin cancer that's more likely to spread to other parts of the body than other types of skin cancer. When melanoma starts in the skin, it's called cutaneous melanoma. Melanoma may also occur in mucous membranes (thin, moist layers of tissue that cover surfaces such as the lips) and in the eyes (intraocular or ocular melanoma). In men, melanoma is often found on the trunk (the area from the shoulders to the hips) or the head and neck. In women, melanoma often forms on the arms and legs.
Symptoms
- A change in pigmented (colored) skin
- A mole that:
- Changes in size, shape, or color
- Has irregular edges or borders
- Is more than one color
- Is asymmetrical (if the mole is divided in half, the 2 halves are different in size or shape)
- Itches
- Oozes, bleeds or is ulcerated (a hole forms in the skin when the top layer of cells breaks down and the tissue below shows through)
- Satellite moles (new moles that grow near an existing mole)
Risk Factors
- Being exposed to natural sunlight or artificial sunlight (such as from tanning beds) over long periods of time
- Being exposed to radiation, solvents, vinyl chloride and PCBs
- Being white
- Having a fair complexion, which includes blue or green or other light-colored eyes; fair skin that freckles and burns easily, does not tan, or tans poorly; red or blond hair
- Having a family history of unusual moles (atypical nevus syndrome)
- Having a family or personal history of melanoma
- Having a history of many blistering sunburns, especially as a child or teenager
- Having a weakened immune system
- Having certain changes in the genes that are linked to melanoma
- Having several large or many small moles
Types of Nonmelanoma Cells
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Squamous Cells
Thin, flat cells that form the top layer of the epidermis.
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Basal cells
Round cells under the squamous cells.
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Melanocytes
Cells that make melanin and are found in the lower part of the epidermis. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its natural color. When skin is exposed to the sun, melanocytes make more pigment and cause the skin to darken.
Skin Cancer Specialists You Can Trust
If you're newly diagnosed with skin cancer, rest assured that the specialized care you need is close to home. Our experienced oncologists treat skin cancer with the utmost expertise and compassion, and will design a well-rounded treatment plan for your whole-person healing.
Find Us in Your Community
Across the nation, each of our locations offering cancer treatment contributes to the strength of the AdventHealth Cancer Institute network. Explore your options for care close to home with the guidance of our dedicated team. We’ll help you find the right fit, so you’re in the best setting to get the care you need.