Dysplastic Nevi (Atypical Moles) Melanocytes are cells that produce skin pigment or color. Sometimes, these cells clump together and form what are known as moles or nevi. The majority of people have a minimum of ten moles located on their bodies. Moles can be classified as either common or abnormal. Common moles will all be the same color. They can be brown, black,…
Melanocytes are cells that produce dark skin pigment known as melanin. Melanin is what gives your skin color. At times, melanocytes may clump into a group forming a nevus (plural nevi) or mole. Nevi can be classified as either common or abnormal (atypical) moles. Moles (Nevi) versus Melanoma A nevus is a non-cancerous (benign) mole. Moles are generally not congenital (present at…
Skin cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the skin. The body’s largest organ is the skin. It protects us against infection, injury, sunlight, and heat. It also helps control our body temperature and stores water, fat and Vitamin D. The skin has two main layers: the epidermis and the dermis. The dermis…
Squamous cell carcinoma, also known as SCC, is a very common type of skin cancer, second only to basal cell carcinoma. Approximately 700,000 new incidences of squamous cell carcinoma are diagnosed every year in America causing approximately 2,500 deaths. Find out what you can do to protect yourself from this form of skin cancer. What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma? This…
Types and Stages of Melanoma Melanoma is the most serious and deadly form of skin cancer, but it is not as common as other types. However, the incidence of melanoma continues to rise in the United States population. The risks for melanoma increase as we age, but it is often seen in younger people. There are four main kinds of…
Melanoma forms when malignant cancer cells form in the cells that color the skin (called melanocytes). These melanocyte skin cells make melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin its natural color. Melanocytes are found in the lower part of the top layer of skin, or epidermis. Sun exposure causes these cells to produce more pigment which is why the…
Melanoma is the most serious form of all skin cancers. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (ADD), one American succumbs to advanced melanoma every hour. The incidence of melanoma occurring among U.S. citizens continues to increase due to the use of tanning equipment such as beds and face lamps. What is the incidence of melanoma? While this type of…
Many people have moles on their bodies. It may be difficult for you to tell the difference between a common mole and a concerning mole. Dysplastic nevi are atypical moles that have a greater chance of becoming skin cancer. The medical term “nevi” is the plural form of “nevus”, and a nevus is another name for a mole. Find out…
Accounting for greater than 90% of all skin cancers occurring among Americans, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most prevalent type. While it rarely metastasizes (spreads) to other sites in the body, BCC may cause damage to surrounding tissues. Find out about the warning signs of BCC, the causes of BCC, risk factors for BCC, and BCC prevention measures. Generalized…
Actinic Keratosis Currently, there are more than 58 million Americans affected by the skin condition known as actinic keratosis. This common skin cancer precursor is characterized by crusty or scaly lesions, which are caused by the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays. Doctors often refer to this skin disorder as solar keratosis. What is Actinic Keratosis? Actinic keratosis (commonly referred to as…