Skin cancer can affect different layers of the skin, depending on the type. But in all forms of skin cancer, exposure to UV rays is one of the most important causes. That’s why too much sun and tanning beds are considered common triggers. Each sunburn contributes to increasing the risk of developing skin cancer.
Which skin layers are affected by skin cancer?
White and black skin cancers develop in different areas of the skin.Basal cell carcinomas develop in the basal cell layer (stratum basale) of the skin. This innermost cell layer of the epidermis is used for skin regeneration, and cells divide here. In addition, the touch discs for touch sensation are located here, as well as the pigment-forming melanocytes, which protect us from UV radiation and are responsible for skin color. Malignant melanoma originates from these. Above the basal cell layer lies the spiny cell layer (stratum spinosum), where the cells are already beginning to keratinize. This is the site of origin of spinalioma.
Skin cancer: causes are sun and solarium
In all three forms, one assumes a connection between the development of cancer and UV exposure from sun rays and solariums. Any over-extensive sunbathing damages the genetic material in skin cells. Although our repair department is constantly on the go, it does not always keep up with the corrections. Sometimes changes (mutations) then remain permanently, accumulate – and lead to cancerous tumors later in life.
Causes of white skin cancer
In white skin cancer, regular exposure to radiation seems to play more of a role – which is why it also affects areas of the body such as the nose, forehead, lower lip, neck, hands and ears, and often people who spend a lot of their lives outdoors. Especially people with a light skin type are affected, men more so than women. Long-term suppression of the immune system by medication (for example, after a transplant) can also promote the development of white skin cancer.
Causes of black skin cancer
In black skin cancer the exact role of UV radiation exposure not yet clear. It is assumed that here rather intensive, short-term irradiation damages and especially too much sun in childhood and adolescence (especially sunburns) favors the emergence of moles and thus the later development of melanoma. In addition, however, there are other risk factors:
- Light skin type
- Genetic predisposition
- Many and atypical respectively large birthmarks/liver spots
