skin cancers


skin cancers

There are three common forms of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is a proliferation of skin cells in the epidermal or dermal layer. It forms round, shiny lumps on the skin. Squamous cell carcinoma first affects the keratin-producing cells of the skin. It appears as small, scaly, red, raised patches. Malignant melanomas are raised or flat colored patches on the skin made of cancerous melanocytes (pigment-producing cells). The most common cause of skin cancers is ultraviolet radiation (from excessive exposure to sun, for example). Infection, frequent irritation, certain chemicals, and physical trauma, however, can also sometimes lead to skin cancer.