Melanoma and Skin Cancer
Melanoma is a malignant tumor of melanocytes, cells that are derived from the neural crest. Although most melanomas arise in the skin, they may also arise from mucosal surfaces or at other sites to which neural crest cells migrate. Melanoma occurs predominantly in adults, and more than half of the cases arise in apparently normal areas of the skin. Early signs in a nevus that would suggest malignant change include darker or variable discoloration, itching, an increase in size, or the development of satellites.
General Information About Melanoma
article syndicated from NCI
Melanoma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the skin cells called melanocytes (cells that color the skin). When melanoma starts in the skin, the disease is called cutaneous melanoma.
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Individuals' Risk of Melanoma Increases with Time Outdoors, Especially in High-Sunlight Areas
article syndicated from NCI
Researchers have shown for the first time that individual risk of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is associated with the intensity of sunlight that a person receives over a lifetime. Published in the journal Cancer Research*, the study also indicates that the risk of melanoma for non-Hispanic whites increases with increased time outdoors - even for men and women who can develop a deep tan.
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General Information About Skin Cancer
article syndicated from NCI
The skin is the body's largest organ. It protects against heat, sunlight, injury, and infection. Skin also helps control body temperature and stores water, fat, and vitamin D. The skin has several layers, but the two main layers are the epidermis (upper or outer layer) and the dermis (lower or inner layer). Skin cancer begins in the epidermis, which is made up of 3 kinds of cells.
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Background on Skin Cancer
article syndicated from NCI
There are several types of skin cancer. The most common forms of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma followed by squamous cell carcinoma. These forms are often referred to as nonmelanoma skin cancer to differentiate them from a third type, melanoma, which is less common, more deadly, and more likely to spread throughout the body.
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More than a Cover Up: NCI Research to Prevent Skin Cancer
article syndicated from NCI
BenchMarks recently spoke with Kenneth Kraemer, M.D., and John DiGiovanna, M.D., dermatologists researching skin cancer for the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Center for Cancer Research. Dr. Kraemer has a longstanding interest in human cancer-prone genetic diseases and DNA repair. Dr. DiGiovanna's research has included the basis and treatment of inherited skin disorders; treatment and prevention of skin cancer; retinoids, drugs derived from vitamin A; and other agents. These researchers have collaborated on work with patients who have xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), a disease that increases the risk of skin cancer.
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Merkel Cell Cancer
article syndicated from NCI
Merkel cell cancer, also called neuroendocrine cancer of the skin or trabecular cancer, is a rare cancer that develops on or just beneath the skin and in hair follicles. It usually appears as firm, painless, shiny skin lumps (nodules), or tumors . These red, pink, or blue tumors vary in size from less than a quarter of an inch to more than 2 inches. About half of all Merkel cell cancers occur on the sun-exposed areas of the head and neck. Another one-third begin on the arms and legs. The cancer may also begin on other parts of the body, such as the trunk.
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