Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells, most often caused by damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. When skin cells are repeatedly exposed to UV rays, their DNA can become damaged. Over time, this damage can cause the cells to grow uncontrollably, forming cancer.

There are three main types of skin cancer:

1. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) – This is the most common type. It usually appears as a small, shiny bump or a pink patch on sun-exposed areas like the face or neck. It grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but it can cause local damage if untreated.

2. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) – This type may look like a red, scaly patch or a sore that doesn’t heal. It is more likely than BCC to grow deeper into the skin and, in some cases, spread to other parts of the body.

3. Melanoma – This is the most serious form of skin cancer. It develops in the pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. Melanoma often appears as a new mole or a change in an existing mole. It can spread quickly if not detected early.