Tag Archives: skin cancer

Abnormal moles

A common mole is a growth on the skin that develops when pigment cells (melanocytes) grow in clusters. As a baby in your birthday suit you might not have had any moles, but chances are you have a few now. Most everyone develops 10 to 40 moles, according to the National Institutes of Health, or NIH. These growths are usually found above the waist on areas exposed to the sun. They are seldom found on the scalp, breast, or buttocks. While most moles are nothing to worry about, the NIH says, some may develop into skin cancer. That is why you should keep track of moles on your body and take note of any that look unusual. Continue reading

3 types of skin cancer

Skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. Excessive exposure to the sun’s UV rays are the most common cause of the disease. This prolonged exposure then causes the skin cells to grow in a rapid, out of control way ultimately leading to the formation of a cancerous tumour on the skin. In fact over 1,000,000 people are affected each year. They mostly arise from the upper layer of the skin – epidermis. However, skin cancers may develop anywhere on the skin, including the scalp, lips or under-nail skin. Continue reading