Skin cancer begins in the cells, the building blocks that make up the skin. Normally, skin cells grow and divide to form new cells. Every day skin cells grow old and die, and new ones take their place. Sometimes, this orderly process goes wrong. New cells form when the body doesn't need them, and old or damaged cells do not die when they should. These extra cells can form a mass of tissue call a growth or tumor.
Growth or tumors can be benign or malignant:
- Benign growths are not cancer. – They are rarely life-threatening and generally can be removed. They usually don't grow back. Cells from benign growths do not invade the tissues around them or do not spread to other parts of the body.
- Malignant growths are cancer. – Malignant growths are generally more serious than benign growths. They may be life-threatening. However the two most common types of skin cancer cause only about one out of every thousand deaths from cancer. While malignant growths can be removed, they can also grow back. Cells from malignant growths can also invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. It can also spread to other parts of the body. The spread of cancer is called metastasis.
Doctors cannot explain why one person develops skin cancer and another does not. However, we do know it's not contagious. You can't "catch" it from anothe person. If you feel you are developing lumps or sores that are scaly or bleeding, not not wait to get treated. Call Dr. Beverly Held for a screening and diagnoses of your condition. She has over 40 years of experience as a dermatologist helping patients live a healthy life.