Skincancers are cancers that arise from the skin. They are due to the development of abnormal cells that have the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body. It occurs when skin cells grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors. The Warning Signs ofSkinCancer. Skincancers -- including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma -- often start as changes to your skin. They can be new growths or precancerous lesions -- changes that are not cancer but could become cancer over time. Certain substances can increasetheriskofskincancer. Arsenic, asbestos, and beryllium are a few examples. • Exposure to radiation. Radiation treatments, such as those for skin conditions like acne and eczema, may cause an increasedriskofskincancer. Learn whether you’re at increasedrisk for skincancer – and how to check your skin if you are. Freckles are flat, brown marks that appear on a person’s skin. Sun exposure and genetics can cause freckles. People with light-colored skin and eyes are more likely to get freckles.People who have fairskin that freckles or burns easily may be at a higher riskof developing skincancer. While all forms ofskincancer, including basal cell carcinoma, can be fatal if ignored long enough, the most common life-threatening form is melanoma, which is diagnosed 192,000 times a year in the United States and claims 9,000 lives.
