Skin Cancer Essay

The skin is the largest organ in the body, covering the bones and internal organs, protecting them from injuries, it serves as a barrier to germs, and bacteria and helps to prevent fluid loss. The skin helps to control the body’s temperature and also aids in removing certain body wastes, therefore making it a vital organ just as any other organ such as the heart or brain.

Skin cancer is a disease in which malignant cancer cells are found in the outer layer of the human skin. This particular cancer is one of the most common cancers among the U.S. population, affecting and spreading over more than one million people a year. “Skin cancer is categorized into two separate groups being; malignant melanomas and non-melanoma cancers.” (Adam, 2013)

The most common type of skin cancer is nonmelanoma skin cancer, which is classified as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. “These begin either in the basal cells or squamous cells that are located at the base of the outer layer of the skin.” (Kenneth, 2012) Basal and squamous cell cancers are among the less serious types of skin cancers, but make up ninety-five percent of all skin cancers.

“Basal cell carcinoma is an uncontrolled, abnormal growths or lesions that arise in the skins basal cells, which line the deepest layer of the epidermis.” (Phillip, 2011) Basal cell carcinoma often times resembles open sores, red patches, shiny bumps or scars. Majority of basal cell carcinoma cases occur on parts of the body such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders and back that are excessively exposed to the sun.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is also an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells arising in the squamous cells, which is composed of most of the skins upper layers. Squa...

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... the early childhood years. Babies under year the age of should be kept out of direct sunlight.

Over all, skin cancer is known to be a very common and dangerous cancer among the U.S.. Although there is no superior or particular cause known for it, it can be reduced by reducing radiation exposure from the sun and also tanning booths and beds. If not attempting to prevent it by staying out of the sun, and seeking not seeking shade and so forth, protection such as longer clothing garments that better cover the body as well as hats and sunglasses can help to eliminate direct exposure and reduce some of the damages that may occur. Certain amounts of sun light are healthy for the body as it provides vitamin- D which the body needs to maintain a healthy life style, though it is crucial not be over exposed as reverse side affects may occur, causing more harm than good.