Causes of Skin Cancer & Risk Factors

Conditions & Diseases: Cancer

Skin Cancer

Causes and Risk Factors

In general, cancer is caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. In skin cancer, environmental factors seems to play a greater role.

One of the main risk factors leading to skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun or artificial sources of UV - such as sunlamps or tanning booths. Ultraviolet radiation can damage the DNA causing an error in the genetic code. This error causes the skin cells to divide abnormally and to form tumors. Recent medical research suggests that melanoma is caused by a mutation of the CDKN2 gene on chromosome 9.

Other risk factors that can lead to melanoma:

Previous melanoma or other forms of skin cancer.
A family history of melanoma or skin cancer.
Other forms of cancer like leukemia or lymphoma.
Atypical moles or large size moles (larger than 20 cm) from birth.
An increased number of moles (50 or more).
A history of severe sunburns, mostly during childhood.
An excessive number of freckles on the upper back.
Impaired immune system.
Xeroderma pigmentosum (a rare inherited disease characterized by the body's incapacity to repair damage caused by UV radiation to the skin cells).
PUVA treatment - treatment used for skin conditions (like psoriasis).

Another important risk factor that can cause skin cancer is a genetic vulnerability to skin cancer. This risk is greater for those people that have a fair complexion (light-colored skin that can easily freckle, red or blond hair, and blue or light-colored eyes).

Other risks that can cause basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma include:

The presence of scars or burns on the skin.
Exposure to arsenic.
Chronic skin inflammations or skin ulcers.
Treatment with radiation.
Treatment with immunosuppressive drugs.
Presence of actinic keratosis (rough, pink, red, or brown scaly patches on the skin).

Article by Alina Morrow, MS
Medical Writer
OmniMedicalSearch.com

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Page Last Modified:
03/07/2011