Water, sunlight, and warmth are essential to life. People require frequent exposure to natural sunlight in order to produce Vitamin D, an essential vitamin needed for growth, and to develop healthy bones and teeth. In recent decades, however, sunlight has also been implicated as a cause of some types of skin cancer.

While both types of ultraviolet rays are associated with skin cancer, some skin cancers are caused by genetic factors. In fact, recent research has indicated that cell mutation and abnormal genes probably play a much more significant role in the development of skin cancer than was originally believed.

Although anyone may develop skin cancer, some persons are at higher risk than others are. Those persons who should be concerned most about sunlight exposure include individuals with fair skin, those who live in areas that are close to the equator, and those who spend a significant amount of time outside.

Three primary kinds of skin cancer have been identified. Each of these is associated with a particular skin cell. The first of these is called basal cell carcinoma, and begins in the skin's basal cells. Nine-tenths of all individuals diagnosed with skin cancer in the United States have this kind. Since it grows slowly and usually does not spread, it is considered to be the least serious variety with which a person can be diagnosed.

The second type is more serious than basal cell carcinoma, but is also a nonmelanoma. Squamous cell cancer affects keratinocyte, cells in the outer layer, or epidermis, of the skin. This type does spread in approximately three percent of all sufferers, but usually spreads slowly. Therefore, it can often be diagnosed and surgically removed before it affects other body organs.

A few other types of nonmelanoma skin cancer do exist, but they are extremely rare. Less than one person in 100 who develops a nonmelanoma cancer will develop one of these kinds. These cancers include Kaposi's sarcoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and T cell lymphoma of the skin.

The final type is most serious. Melanoma is a cancer that originates in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin. The amount of melanin present in skin tissue determines the lightness or darkness of the skin's color. Malignant melanoma can spread rapidly and invade vital organs and other body tissues. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is crucial to a successful cure.

One of the most common places for occurrences of skin cancer is on the nose. Because the nose is often exposed to the sun, it is constantly experiencing the bulk of the atmosphere's ultraviolet rays, making it a prime target for skin cancer. This is an issue for many, not only for health reason, but as the nose's prominent placement on the face makes it a rather unsightly place for the sores associated with skin cancer. And, with other cancers it is always important to seek treatment for nose skin cancer, as it may spread throughout the body.

Like any other cancer, the sooner you catch and treat nose skin cancer, the better off you will be. Early detection, as always, is the key. With nose skin cancer, it is best to seek surgery quickly, in order to remove the cancer before it increases in size, becoming larger and more noticeable. If you think you may be developing the warning signs of this, it is important to go see a doctor immediately -- either your general physician, or a dermatologist. Your doctor will be able to answer any questions, address any fears and walk you through the available treatment options. So, do not let fear keep you from seeking immediate help.

Often, it is treated either by blasting with liquid nitrogen or cutting with a hot knife. Only in the case of the most extreme or persistent nose skin cancers, including malignant melanoma or cancers of a larger size, will surgery be necessary. But even those procedures are relatively quick and easy. Just remember, if you have this, no matter which type of cancer it is, whether serious or not, it is most likely that your doctor will opt for the least invasive method possible to treat it and treat it correctly, in order to lessen the chance of the cancer's reemergence.

Although there are several types of skin cancer, the most common are melanoma, basal call carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
Although melanoma is not found as often as other skin cancers, it is one of the most well known because it causes the most deaths related to skin cancer. Melanoma is hard to treat, with the most effective option being simply removing the part of the skin that is affected. However, this has to be done early in order to be at all successful. There are approximately 160,000 new cases of melanoma each year. Approximately 48,000 people die of melanoma each year. Melanoma can be caused by exposure to the sun. This is particularly significant if a person has had a bad sunburn during childhood. White males usually get melanoma more than any other group, and people living in sunny climates are at higher risk. There is also a genetic risk factor.
Melanomas are usually noticed by detecting a change in skin moles. If there is any change to the mole, this might mean that a melanoma is present. Individuals should check their moles to see if the size, color or shape has changed. They should also alert their doctor if a mole becomes itchy or starts to bleed. If a patient has a family history of melanoma, they should be examined by a doctor at least once a year as part of a preventative plan.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a tumor of the epithelium cells. It occurs in many areas of the body besides the skin including the mouth, lungs and cervix. Squamous cell carcinomas make up about 20% of all skin cancer cases. It is most often caused by continuous exposure to sunlight over a long period of time. If an area is suspected to be cancerous, a biopsy will be done. If cancer is found, surgery will be done to remove the area.
The most common form of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma. In the United States, there are approximately 800,000 new cases per year. It occurs most commonly in individuals who have fair skin and have been exposed to the sun. There is also a genetic component, as this cancer also occurs in areas which are not exposed to the sun. Luckily, basal cell carcinomas rarely cause death and can be treated successfully in most cases. They can cause disfiguration when the cancer is on the nose, lips, ears, or eyes.
If you suspect that you might have skin cancer, you should contact your doctor or a dermatologist to have the area examined. It is also a good idea to have your doctor check out your skin during your yearly physical.