What Is Skin Cancer?
Skin Cancer
Cancer consists of more than 100 diseases. Each type of cancer is different to other types in many ways although all cancers are a disease of some of the cells in the body.
Those cells that are healthy and make up the body’s tissue grow before dividing and replacing themselves. This is how the body grows, keeps itself healthy and in good repair. However some of these cells can lose their ability to perform these tasks limiting their growth and development. They may divide themselves too rapidly or grow without order. Some times too much tissue can be produced, resulting in tumours being formed. Tumours may be benign or malignant.
Benign tumours are not cancer. They do not spread to the rest of the body and are not life threatening. These type of tumours are often removed via surgery and usually do not return. They are often more of a nuisance than anything else.
Malignant tumours are cancerous. They cause illness to the body by invading and destroying the nearby healthy tissues and organs. They can form new tumours in the body by spreading or metastasizing to other organs.
The two main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and Squamous cell carcinoma. A carcinoma is the term used to describe a cancer that begins in the cells that cover or line an organ.
More than 90% of skin cancers in the United States are Basel cell carcinoma. This type of cancer grows slowly and rarely spreads to other areas although it is essential all types of skin cancers are found and treated as early as possible to prevent them invading and destroying the nearby tissues.
Basel cell carcinoma and Squamous cell carcinomas are often called nonmelanoma skin cancer. A melanoma is another type of cancer that can occur in the skin, which begins in the melanocytes.
Skin cancer is currently the most common type of cancer in the United States. It is estimates that between 40 and 50% of Americans who live to the age of 65 years and beyond will develop skin cancer at least once. However, it must be remembered any age and nationality can develop skin cancer. Those who are fair skin and freckled with red/blond hair and blue or light coloured eyes are the types of people who are at most risk of developing the disease.
The ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun is the prime cause for skin cancer. There are two types of ultraviolet radiation – UVA and UVB. There are also artificial sources of UV radiation, for example sun beds and tanning booths which can also cause skin cancer.
The location where a person lives affects the risks of a person developing skin cancer. Some people live in areas where they get high levels of UV radiation and are more likely to develop skin cancer. For example the Texas sun is particularly strong. There are also high rates of skin cancer found in South Africa and Australia where the population receive high amounts of the sun’s radiation.
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