Skin Cancer: Types, Causes, and What You Need to Know

When dealing with skin cancer, a group of malignancies that arise from skin cells exposed to harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Also known as cutaneous malignancy, it can range from slow‑growing lesions to aggressive tumors. Skin cancer isn’t a single disease; it encompasses several distinct forms. The most serious is melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer that originates in pigment‑producing melanocytes. Then there’s basal cell carcinoma, a common, usually slow‑growing tumor that starts in the basal cells of the epidermis, and squamous cell carcinoma, a cancer that develops from the flat cells on the skin’s surface and can spread more readily. These subtypes together illustrate the semantic link: skin cancer encompasses melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Understanding each type helps tailor screening and treatment, and it shows why early detection influences survival rates.

Key Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies

One major driver behind all three cancers is UV radiation, high‑energy sunlight that damages DNA in skin cells. Prolonged exposure breaks down the skin’s natural defenses and creates the mutations that spark tumor growth. This relationship forms a second semantic triple: excessive UV radiation increases skin cancer risk. Practical steps like applying broad‑spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours reduce that risk dramatically. Family history, fair skin, and a history of sunburns also raise the odds, so knowing your personal risk profile guides preventive habits. Regular skin checks—either self‑exams or dermatologist visits—enable early spotting of suspicious lesions, turning a potentially serious diagnosis into a manageable condition.

Treatment options vary by type and stage. Early‑stage basal cell carcinoma often responds to simple excision or topical therapies, while melanoma may require wide surgical margins, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and sometimes immunotherapy. Squamous cell carcinoma sits in the middle, with options ranging from radiation to Mohs surgery. This creates a third semantic connection: the specific cancer type determines the appropriate treatment pathway. Lifestyle choices—maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and staying active—support overall skin health and aid recovery. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clear picture of what skin cancer looks like, why it happens, how to keep it at bay, and where to find the right care. Below, the collection of articles dives deeper into each of these aspects, offering practical advice and the latest research insights.