What Causes Skin Cancer
The cause of skin cancer is not exactly known. Mutations -- genetic defects that are either inherited or acquired during life -- are important to the development of all types of skin cancer. Multiple sites of skin cancer are characteristics of the inherited conditions xeroderma pigmentosum and basal cell nevus syndrome. Genetic mutations are known for each of these conditions. Environmental factors are also involved in the development of skin cancer.
A lifetime of exposure to the sun's powerful, invisible ultraviolet radiation damages proteins in the skin and causes defects in skin cell genes that may lead to cancer years later. Skin cancer is more common where the sun is strong, (in Texas more than Minnesota, for example). Farmers and other outdoor workers are at greater risk than office workers.
Chemical exposure and high energy gamma rays from radiation therapy also lead to skin cancer.
Chronic infections and burn scars, sites with rapid turnover of cells during the healing process, are places where squamous cell skin cancers arise.
Immune suppressed patients, such as those with HIV, those on chemotherapy or those taking drugs to prevent transplant rejection, are all at increased risk for non-melanoma skin cancer.
More on Skin Cancer
The Truth About Indoor Tanning
What Causes Skin Cancer?
Possible Causes and Prevention of Cancer
In the Encyclopedia:
Skin cancer, non-melanoma
Kaposi's sarcoma
Malignant melanoma
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
Sunburn
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