What happens to the cells during skin cancer?

Skin cancer occurs when errors (mutations) occur in the DNA of skin cells. The mutations cause the cells to grow out of control and form a mass of cancer cells.

Can skin cancers shrink?

Many keratoacanthomas shrink or even go away on their own over time without any treatment. But some continue to grow, and a few may even spread to other parts of the body.

What happens to the cells in melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops when melanocytes (the cells that give the skin its tan or brown color) start to grow out of control. Cancer starts when cells in the body begin to grow out of control. Cells in nearly any part of the body can become cancer, and can then spread to other areas of the body.

How are tumors formed?

When cells grow old or become damaged, they die, and new cells take their place. Sometimes this orderly process breaks down, and abnormal or damaged cells grow and multiply when they shouldn’t. These cells may form tumors, which are lumps of tissue. Tumors can be cancerous or not cancerous (benign).

What are the stages of skin cancer?

The earliest stage of skin cancer is stage 0 (also called carcinoma in situ, or CIS). The other stages range from I (1) through IV (4). As a rule, the lower the number, the less the cancer has spread. A higher number, such as stage IV, means cancer has spread more.

What do squamous cells do?

Squamous cells are the cells closest to your skin’s surface, and their purpose is to line your skin. cSCC often develops in areas of the body that are frequently exposed to UV radiation, such as your face, hands, and ears.

What is the name of the cells of the skin that give rise to melanoma?

The deepest layer of the epidermis, located just above the dermis, contains cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes produce the skin’s pigment or color. Melanoma begins when healthy melanocytes change and grow out of control, forming a cancerous tumor.

What is the difference between basal cell carcinoma and melanoma?

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that begins in cells known as melanocytes. While it is less common than basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), melanoma is more dangerous because of its ability to spread to other organs more rapidly if it is not treated at an early stage.

What is the first stage of tumor development?

Initiation, the first stage, is when initial cell mutation occurs. It may involve one or more cellular changes that are either spon- taneous or started by exposure to a carcinogen. These changes create a potential for the affected cell and its daughter cells to develop into a cancer cell.

Do tumors bleed when they shrink?

Tumor bleed is commonly seen in locally progressive tumors, which have directly infiltrated blood vessels. However, tumor bleed secondary to rapid shrinkage has not been reported previously.