Skin is the largest organ of the body, including internal organs and serves as a barrier between germs such as bacteria, and prevents the loss of too much fluid in one's body. Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, accounted for nearly half of all cancers in the United States.
There are two main types of skin cancer, namely non-melanoma (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) and melanoma.
- Non-melanoma (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma)
Most skin cancers are classified as non-melanoma, usually begins in a cell or basal cell carcinoma. These cells are located at the base of the outer layer of skin, or cover the internal and external surfaces of the body. About 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancer associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
Most non-melanoma skin cancers develop on sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the face, ears, neck, lip, and back of hands. Depending on the type, they can be fast or slow growing, but they rarely spread to other parts of the body. Basal cell or squamous cell cancer is highly likely to be cured if detected and treated early.
- Melanoma
Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years and the second most common form of cancer for young people 15-29 years. Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, the case reached about 68,130 in 2010 and most (about 8,700) of the 11,790 deaths from this type of skin cancer. Melanoma is a cancer that starts in the melanocytes cells that produce the skin coloring or pigment known as melanin. Melanin helps protect the deeper layers of skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Melanoma is almost curable if detected in its early stages.
