Skin Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), as of 2013, cancer of the skin is the most common type of cancer found in the United States, and continues to grow in incidence. Skin cancer starts in the top layer of skin (the epidermis) but can grow down into the lower layers, the dermis and the subcutaneous layer. There are three main types of cells located in the epidermis, each of which can become cancerous. Melanocytes are the pigmented cells that are scattered throughout the skin, providing protection from ultraviolet (UV) light. Basal cells rest near the bottom of the epidermis and constitute the layer of cells that grow continually to replace the skin. Squamous cells are the third type of epidermal cell; these make up most of the cells in human skin.