Skin Cancer Overview

Overview

This lecture covers the basics of skin cancer, focusing on differences between non-melanoma and melanoma, their detection, progression, and risks.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer type.
Most cases are non-melanoma, originating from skin cells other than melanocytes.
Non-melanoma skin cancer is unlikely to spread and is usually easy to remove.
Melanoma arises from melanocytes, the cells producing skin pigment (melanin).

Melanin protects deep layers of skin from ultraviolet (UV) light damage.
Suntan results from melanin's attempt to shield skin from harmful UV rays, but this protection is limited.

Melanoma accounts for a small percentage of skin cancers but causes most skin cancer deaths.
It often starts as a mole and can be surgically treated if caught early before spreading.
Surgical removal includes the mole and some surrounding skin to ensure all cancer cells are eliminated.

Melanoma is dangerous because it can invade deeper skin layers and access lymphatic and blood vessels.
Cancer cells can travel via lymphatic vessels to lymph nodes and via blood vessels to distant organs.
Melanoma can metastasize to organs like the lungs, making early detection critical.

Melanocyte — Cell that produces melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color.
Melanin — Pigment in the skin that absorbs and protects against UV light.
Non-melanoma skin cancer — Skin cancers that arise from cells other than melanocytes and rarely spread.
Melanoma — A serious skin cancer originating from melanocytes, with a high risk of spreading (metastasis).
Metastasis — The process by which cancer cells spread from the original site to other body parts.