Understanding the Definition of Skin Cancer

When it comes to skin cancer there are many different issues that you need to take into consideration. The definition of skin cancer is perhaps the most important issue of all here, and is important for everyone to be aware of and educated about, even if they do not have a family history of the disease.

To understand skin cancer's definition you have to learn how skin cancer spreads. The outer layer of the skin, or epidermis, contains three different kinds of cells and each type of cell can potentially become cancerous. Although there is no single known cause of skin cancer there are a number of different factors that are known for being responsible. The more time you spend in the sun, for instance, the higher risk you are at for developing the disease.

It is important to know, in terms of skin cancer definition that all forms of skin cancer begin with a single cell. This is why the more immediately the cancer is noticed the better odds the patient has in terms of success.

Types of Skin Cancer

When it comes to the definition of skin cancer, one of the most important pieces of information is the fact that there are three different types of skin cancer: basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer, and melanoma. The basal cell cancer is the most common of all these cancers, but also typically the least serious.

Then there is the squamous cell cancer which is the next most common skin cancer but which is more serious than basal cell. It grows more quickly than basal cell cancer and can spread to other parts of the body, especially to the lymph nodes, which are small round or oval bodies that are part of the body's immune system.

Finally the melanoma type of skin cancer is by far the most serious and most aggressive. It can and does spread to other parts of the body incredibly quickly and can even invade the lungs and liver. Melanoma is typically caused by an overexposure to the ultraviolet radiation given off by the sun. However, other factors can also be causes such as genetic factors, as a person who has a family history of the disease is much more likely to develop the disease themselves.

It is critical to understand the definition of skin cancer even if you are not particularly at risk yourself. This is so that you can be educated and take all the precautionary steps you can in order to protect yourself against the disease.