Skin Cancer: Our Skin and Its Cells

Skin Cancer Charts Graphs

By J Brian

Skin cancer can be simply defined as a malignant growth on the skin. It can be the result of differing causes, but generally is evidenced by a growth that appears in the outer most layer of the skin - the epidermis.

Our skin is the body's largest organ. We are indebted to this organ for protecting our body and its internal organs from all manner of dangers - infections, injuries, excessive heat, cold and the ultraviolet light from our sun. It also acts to release toxins and works to produce essential Vitamin D - all necessary for a healthy life.

There are two main layers to our skin. The inner layer is referred to as the dermis and the outer layer is the epidermis. This outer layer - or epidermis - is made up of three different basic cells. They are called - basal cells, squamous cells, and melanocytes.

The basal cells are constantly forming new cells that are made deep withing the epidermis. They are round in formation. As they grow they push older cells to the surface. These older cells are called squamous cells. In aging they become thin and flat.

Melanocytes are important cells that exist along side the basal cells deep within the epidermis. Besides giving color to our skin their important role is to produce melanin - which works to protect us from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Freckles are concentrated areas that give evidence of increased melanin production. An excessive absence of melanin produces a condition known as albinism.

Our skin is a complex organism that also contains hair follicles, oil glands, tiny sweat glands, nerves, fat and blood vessels. The many functions it performs adds so much quality and dimension to our existence.

However, it is possible for this excellent organ to become damaged. There are three main types of skin cancer that can occur. The most common is called basal cell carcinoma. It is regarded as the least dangerous of the different types. Along with squamous cell carcinoma it is regarded as a non-melanoma skin cancer. They are the most successfully treated types of skin cancer.

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