Skin cancer is one of the more common cancers with more than 2 million
cases diagnosed each year in the U.S. The good news is that many
skin cancers can be prevented or detected early and treated
effectively. Skin cancers originate in the outer skin layer
(epidermis) and are classified according to the types of cells involved. There are 3 types of skin cancer:
Melanocytes are found throughout the lower part of the epidermis. They make melanin, the pigment that gives skin its natural color. When skin is exposed to the sun, melanocytes make more pigment, causing the skin to tan, or darken. The skin is the body’s largest organ. It protects against heat, sunlight, injury, and infection. The skin has 2 main layers: the epidermis (upper or outer layer) and the dermis (lower or inner layer). When melanoma starts in the skin, the disease is called cutaneous melanoma. Melanoma may also occur in the eye and is called intraocular or ocular melanoma. |