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Skin Cancer
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Environmental Pollution
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Skin Cancer Types and Forms

There are several types of skin cancer depending on the type of skin cells affected. The most common skin cancers are the following:

  • Basal cell cancer (BCC) – this is the most common type of skin cancer appearing in basal skin cells (cells from the lower level of epidermis). Usually it involves localized growth of skin cells that grow slowly and do not tend to spread and metastasize. This form of cancer is usually caused by sun exposure (particularly by UV-B radiation) and usually affects areas of the face and upper parts of the body (more prone to sun exposure). The basal cell cancer rarely cause death and is easily treatable by surgery or radiation. The localized cell growth which constitute BCC may appear in various forms, including:
    • nodules (shiny translucent or pearly in color)
    • pink growth (bumps)
    • skin sores that fail to heal or heals and re-opens periodically
    • waxy scars
    • irritated patches of skin (usually reddish in color)
  • Squamous cell cancer (SCC) – this is less common than BCC type, but still a common form of cancer. It affects the squamous cells (cells from the upper layer of epidermis). This form of cancer is more dangerous than the BCC type in the fact that it may spread and metastasize more often than the BCC type – thus early treatment is recommended. Yet, the metastasis rate is still low for this type of skin cancer with the exception of the SCC of the lip and ear and in immunosupressed patients. SCC may be commonly caused by exposure to sun UV-B radiation and usually affects elderly people with fair skin. Although commonly caused by sun exposure, SCC may develop everywhere, including inside of the mouth and genitalia. SCC usually appears in the following forms:
    • crusted reddish area of skin
    • crusted-over patch of skin
    • non-healing ulcer
  • Melanoma – is the least common type of skin cancer, but also the most serious one as it tend to metastasize causing death (thus early detection and treatment is essential and usually effective). This skin cancer affects melanocytes (cells within the epidermis that gives skin its color) and usually develops in a pre-existing mole (or in what looks like a new normal mole). Thus, it is important to observe one’s moles and look for any changes or the appearance of new moles. This type of cancer is the most common type in the young population (below 40 years of age). Melanoma may be caused by exposure to sun UV-A radiation. Older Caucasiam men have the highest mortality rate from this type of skin cancer.

Apart from these three main types of skin cancer, a series of other skin cancers exists, but are much less common, including:

  • Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
  • Merkel cell carcinoma
  • Keratocanthoma
  • Kaposi’s sarcoma
  • Sebaceous carcinomas
  • Microcystic adnexal carcinoma
  • Spindle cell tumors
  • Artypical fibroxanthoma
  • Angiosarcoma
  • Leimyosarcoma

Regardless of the type, all skin cancers are linked to abnormal cell growth due to DNA damage resulting in uncontrollable cell development. DNA damage is caused by free radicals and reactive oxygen species. Research has shown that frequent re-application of sunscreens reduces the risk of free radical formation.