what causes skin cancer?

Answer 1

Skin cancer is a malignant growth on the skin, which can have many causes, including repeated severe sunburn or long-term exposure to the sun. Skin cancer generally develops in the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, so a tumor is usually clearly visible. This makes most skin cancers detectable in the early stages. There are three common types of skin cancer each of which are named after the type of skin cell.

The most common types are
basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and
squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
which may be locally disfiguring but unlikely to spread to other parts of the body.
The most dangerous type is malignant melanoma, which can be fatal if not treated early, but forms only a small proportion of all skin cancers.

Other types of skin cancer are:

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
Merkel cell carcinoma
Kaposi's sarcoma

For more Details about skin cancer Prevention, Genetics, Causes, Treatment, Screening and Testing, Cancer Literature, Research and Related Information, Statistics.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/melanoma

Answer 2

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Answer 3

There are so many different causes of skin cancer. The UV rays of the sun are one of the major causes of skin cancer. UV rays from the tanning beds can also cause skin cancer. People with a family history of skin cancer have a greater chance of getting skin cancer. And some chemicals can also damage skin badly and can increase the risk of skin cancer.

Answer 4

Most likely is sun exposure as has been mentioned. Another large contributing fsctor to SCC's is immunosuppressants.

Just adding to a point later down. BCC is a cancer as such, but doesn't spread to other parts of the body. It's main problems occur in difficult areas to excise, or when it has penetrated deep, such as on the scalp. SCC is similar, but can spread, especially those that are on the side of the face, which often spread to the parotid glands. MM has many subtypes, superficial spreading (SSMM) Lentigo malignant (LMM), ALMM, Nodular etc...These are with a few exceptions, caused predominantly by serious damage to the skin (sun burn). BCC is caused more by long term exposure. As for the others, Merkel Cell's are rare, but very bad, DFSP is really not to be classed as a cancer, as it behaves in much the same way as a BCC and Kaposi's sarcoma is a common symptom of someone with AIDS.

Answer 5

I had a very small malignant melanoma removed from the back of my lower leg 3 yrs ago. I was quite shocked to find it was cancerous. My husband had said my mole had changed so I went to the GP,luckily, and then off to the Dermatology Consultant. My best advice is make an appointment immedialtely for your doctor to have a look at it and always apply 15+ factor of sunscreen. I think I had too many days of my childhood without suncream on the back of my legs in California! Since then I was advised to get checked every 6 months for the next 5 years, 2 years to go. Take care of yourself.

Answer 6

Skin cancer is a malignant growth on the skin, which can have many causes, including repeated severe sunburn or long-term exposure to the sun.

Answer 7

Being under the sun for a long time. That's why it's always important to apply sunblock to avoid skin cancer. It's never a loss to invest in really good sunblock since the sun rays today are harmful due to the thinning of ozone.

Answer 8

It can be from too much sun and not protecting the skin but sometimes it is triggered from a mole. I suppose like any other cancer - it is in us all and some are lucky - others not xx

Answer 9

there are a lot of causes of skin cancer not just the sun exposure to carcinogenics can cause it look up the British cancer web site they should help

Answer 10

It is caused by harmful UVA rays from the sun. you should ware suncream on every sunny day to prevent skin cancer in later life.