Pathogenesis of skin cancer
In order to be able to detect skin cancer, knowledge of its course is necessary. All forms of skin cancer have in common that they develop from a single degenerate cell, which multiplies uncontrolled. As a result, skin cancer develops, consisting of many clones of this single cell.
- Basalioma: Basaliomas develop from so-called basal cells of the upper skin layer (epidermis). The epidermis consists of several cell layers, the lowest of which consists of the basal cells. If one of these cells degenerates, it multiplies uncontrollably and also loses its ability to keratinize.As a result this skin cancer develops.
- Spinalioma: A spinalioma develops from epithelium. This is tissue that lines the inner and outer surfaces of the body.
- Malignant melanoma: Malignant melanomas develop from pigment cells (melanocytes). This skin cancer can develop on inconspicuous skin or on pre-existing changes (nevus cell nevus = liver spot, lentigo maligna = precancerosis).
Causes of skin cancer
All 3 types of skin cancer (basalioma, spinalioma and malignant melanoma) can be caused by a genetic predisposition (e.g. DNA repair disorders). However, there are also numerous risk factors for skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma: In the case of skin cancer “basal cell carcinoma”, UV radiation (sunlight), chemical and physical noxae (arsenic, X-rays, burns) and suppression of the immune system (e.g. by drugs, diseases) are among them.
Spinalioma: UV light is also one of the most important risk factors for skin cancer “spinalioma”. In addition, there is an increased risk of this skin cancer with light skin types (types 1 and 2) and infection with certain viruses (HPV = human papilloma viruses). Furthermore, scars or lesions caused by chronic skin diseases (e.g. lupus vulgaris, lichens) can degenerate malignantly.
There are also skin alterations called “precanceroses”, which in a sense are understood to be “pre-tumor forms”. Malignant melanoma: Such precanceroses as risk factors also exist in malignant melanoma. Furthermore, nevi (liver spots) can develop into skin cancer. Acquired melanoma-promoting factors include severe, frequent sunburn, a high socioeconomic status and immunodeficiency.
