How Does Skin Cancer Develop?
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Skin cancer is by far the most common type of cancer in the United States. Several types of skin cancer exist, including basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and melanomas. Luckily, most skin cancers are not only easily detected but preventable. By becoming familiar with the types of skin cancers and how they develop, you can take proper precautions in preventing their formation.
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The most common types of skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas. These non-melanoma lesions tend to remain localized and appear as a small, round bump. These tumors bleed periodically. Squamous cell carcinomas are the less common type of non-melanoma skin cancers. This type of cancer also does not tend to spread, but it can continue growing in a localized area if not removed. Squamous cell carcinomas appear as thickened, red, raised patches and may bleed or ulcerate. Melanoma is the least common of these three types of cancers, but by far the most deadly as it spreads quickly from the skin to other regions of the body. Early detection is key, and will usually lead to an optimistic prognosis. Melanoma often appear as brown or black moles that change in appearance or grow in size.
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All three major types of skin cancer develop due to overexposure to radiation in sunlight or tanning beds. The damage occurs in the outermost layer of the skin called the epidermis. As with all cancers, an abnormal cell forms and quickly replicates, thus forming a tumor. However, the exact mechanism behind what prompts the cancer to develop differs based on the type of skin cancer. Squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas are caused by prolonged skin DNA damage from UV-B exposure. Malignant melanoma, on the other hand, develops due to indirect DNA damage via over-exposure to UV-A radiation. Staying out of the sun during peak hours remains a good way to prevent skin cancer, as does wearing UV radiation protective clothing.
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