Skin+Cancer

= //__**Skin Cancer**__// =

Skin cancer is when the skin's DNA is damaged by an outside cause, and mutates. As it progresses, it can cause major damage to the body and the body. Skin cancer has become the most prevalent form of cancer found today.

**//__Causes__//**

Risks for skin cancer include overexposure to UV radiation from the sun, frequent skin infections, and damage from chemical trauma.

**//__Basal Cell Carcinoma__//**

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, but is the least likely to become malignant. It occurs when basal cells alter so they can't form keraten. It often appears in sun-exposed areas and looks like a shiny, dome shaped nodule on the skin.

**//__Squamous Cell Carcinoma__//**

Squamous Cell Carcinoma involves the stratum spinosum cells of the skin. It appears as scaly, reddened papules that turns into a bordered ulcer, usually on the scalp, ears, dorsal side of the head, and the lower lip. It is sun-induced, spreads quickly, and if caught early there is a great chance for recovery

**//__Malgnant Melanoma__//**

Melanoma is cancer of the skin cells' melanocytes. While only making up for about 5% of skin cancer cases, it is by far the deadliest formof skin cancer. It can begin wherever there is pigment in the skin, and usually starts off as moles. It is caused from accumulated damage to a cells DNA. Melanoma can appear as a brown to black spot and spreads quickly to the surrounding lympnodes and blood vessels. When determining whether to get a spot checked out take into account the ABCD's. A- Asymetry B- Border C- Color D- Diameter