Ailments and Situations - Skin Cancer - Common Forms |
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The more common forms of skin cancer are discussed below. This type of tumour begins in the innermost cells of the deeper epidermis. It, along with SCC, account for 93% of all skin cancers. Squamous cell carcinoma originates in the middle layer of the epidermis. It most often occurs in sun-exposed areas but can occur anywhere on the skin including the tongue and lining of the mouth. Squamous cell carcinoma can develop on what appears to be normal skin, or on sun-damaged skin, particularly actinic keratosis, a wart-like growth on the skin that can become SCC. Melanoma originates in the pigment-producing cells of the skin called melanocytes. It is the most serious form due to its potential to metastasize to other areas of the body. The incidence of this form of skin cancer is doubling every ten years. This disease originates in blood vessels, usually of the skin, but can occur anywhere. There are two forms of the disease. One type generally affects older people of Jewish or European (particularly Italian) descent. The second type generally affects children and young men of equatorial Africa and people with AIDS. This is a rare form of skin cancer that originates in the glands in or under the skin, usually around the nipple. |
