>>>INTRODUCTION
Skin malignancies or skin cancers are the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. More than 1 million Americans are expected to be diagnosed with skin cancer in 2007.
>>>ETIOLOGY (CAUSE) OF SKIN CANCERS
Skin cancer is most closely associated with chronic inflammation of the skin. This includes:
1. Sunburn or excessive sun damage, especially early in life. UVA & UVB have both been implicated in causing DNA damage resulting in cancer. Sun exposure between 10AM and 4PM is thought to be most harmful. Natural (sun) & artificial UV exposure (tanning salons) are associated with skin cancer.
2. Chronic non-healing wounds, especially burns. These are called Marjolin's ulcers based on their appearance and can develop into squamous cell carcinoma.
3. Genetic predisposition, including "Congenital Melanocytic Nevi Syndrome". CMNS is characterized by the presence of "nevi" or moles of varying size that either appear at or within 6 months of birth. Nevi larger than 20 mm (3/4") in size are at higher risk for becoming cancerous.