Skin

Multi-purpose skin is made up of three layers and is the largest organ of the body. The layer at the surface is the outer epidermis; the layer beneath that is known as the dermis, and the deepest layer, made up fat and loose tissues, is known as the subcutaneous layer.

Skin performs many functions; it protects the internal organs from injury and infection, and communicates with the brain about temperature, touch, and pain sensations. It also expels waste products, excess water, and salt through the sweat glands.

Skin Cancer

Cancerous cells are healthy cells that have mutated. The abnormal cells multiply rapidly and their uncontrolled growth creates a build up of tissue. If this tissue mass is malignant (cancerous), it is able to spread (metastasize) to nearby and/or distant organs. If the tissue mass is benign (non-cancerous), it is not a life-threatening or serious condition but will usually be removed anyway.

Malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the three main types of malignant skin cancer. Malignant melanoma is commonly known as simply “melanoma,” while the basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are lumped together as non-melanoma.

Melanoma

Most melanomas begin in pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. Pigment determines the color of your skin. People with dark pigmentation have dark skin and are at less risk for skin cancer than people with fair skin.

Melanoma accounts for the majority of skin cancer deaths, but makes up only a small percentage of all skin cancer cases. According the American Cancer Society, the year 2005 will see an estimated 59,600 cases of melanoma. Furthermore, of the estimated 10,600 deaths that will be attributed to skin cancer this year, around 7,800 will be melanoma cases.