What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. It occurs when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells (most often caused by ultraviolet radiation from sunshine or tanning beds) triggers mutations, or genetic defects, that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors. Skin cancers can arise in several forms and have different characteristics based on cell type. The three most common types are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma.

Basal Cell Carcinoma: BCC is the most common form of skin cancer, accounting for 80% of all cases. This type typically appears as a raised area on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, scalp, shoulders, neck and back—areas that get more UV exposure than other parts of the body. Most BCCs aren’t life-threatening but should be treated promptly because they can cause disfigurement if left untreated or spread to other parts of your body.

Squamous Cell Carcinomas: SCCs are usually found on sun-exposed areas such as lips, head/neck area and hands/arms but may occur anywhere on your body where there has been UV exposure or injury to your skin like an insect bite or scar tissue post surgery etc.. These cancers tend to grow slowly over time locally but can metastasize if not treated correctly so it’s important to see a doctor if you find a suspicious lesion that looks like SCC right away!

Melanomas: Melanomas are less common than BCCs & SCCs but much more dangerous due its ability to rapidly spread throughout vital organs in our body which makes them harder to treat at later stages so early detection here is key - any new moles with ABCD symptoms should be checked out by a dermatologist immediately as these could be signs of melanoma! A simple ‘mole check’ with your dermatologist every 6 months is recommended for people who have had too much UV exposure over their lifetime – this way doctors can detect any lesions before they get dangerous!