are skin cancers always melanomas
Melanoma is a cancer that develops in melanocytes, the pigment cells present in the skin. It can be more serious than the other forms of skin cancer because it may spread to other parts of the body (metastasize) and cause serious illness and death. What Is Melanoma? The most dangerous form of skin cancer, these cancerous growths develop when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells (most often caused by ultraviolet radiation from sunshine or tanning beds) triggers mutations (genetic defects) that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors. While it is not the most common of the skin cancers, it causes the most deaths. In 2016, an estimated 76,380 of these will be invasive melanomas, with about 46,870 in males and 29,510 in women. Melanoma Warning Signs Causes and Risk Factors Prevention Guidelines Types Stages Treatments. In women, the legs are the most common site. The neck and face are other common places for melanoma to start. Melanomas are not as common as basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, but they can be far more serious. Like basal cell and squamous cell cancers, melanoma is almost always curable in its early stages. Skin cancer. Skin cancers are cancers that arise from the skin. They are due to the development of abnormal cells that have the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body. There are three main types of skin cancers: basal-cell skin cancer (BCC), squamous-cell skin cancer (SCC) and melanoma. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. Sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer, and people with fair skin and light eyes whose skin has a tendency to burn easily in the sun are most susceptible to the damaging effects of the sun's UV rays. What is melanoma? Melanoma is usually, but not always, a cancer of the skin. It begins in melanocytes – the cells that produce the pigment melanin that colors the skin, hair and eyes. Melanocytes also form moles, where melanoma often develops. Having moles can be a risk factor for melanoma, but it’s important to remember that most moles do not become melanoma. This type presents as a new pink or skin colored growth. It can be flat, or elevated above the skin. This type is often confused with benign (non-cancerous) lesions or other types of skin cancers. Hopefully, this article has conveyed the important message that melanoma is not always obvious. I recommend everyone check over their skin on a monthly basis in order to spot new or changing moles. Especially, look for the “ugly duckling” mole, which does not look similar to any of your other moles3. Skin cancers are of three major types: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. 1  The vast majority of skin cancers are BCCs or SCCs. While malignant, these are unlikely to spread to other parts of the body. 2  A small but significant number of skin cancers are malignant melanomas. Skin cancers are of three major types: basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. The vast majority of skin cancers are BCCs or SCCs. While malignant, these are unlikely to spread to other parts of the body. They may be locally disfiguring if not treated early.
No, a small but significant number of skin cancers are malignant melanomas.