WHAT IS SKIN CANCER?

Skin cancer is a malignant condition that begins with the excessive, uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one of the layers of the skin. There are several types of skin cancers; the differences depend on the kinds of cells from which the tumors arise. The three main types are: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Anyone can be affected but skin cancer is prevalent among people with fair skin, and people of any skin type who allow themselves considerable exposure to the sun. Skin cancer may also tend to run in families.