Types of Cancer » Skin Cancer

skin cancer (skin KAN-ser) Cancer that forms in tissues of the skin. When cancer forms in cells that make pigment, it is called melanoma. When cancer forms in cells that do not make pigment it may begin in basal cells (small, round cells in the base of the outer layer of skin) or squamous cells (flat cells that form the surface of the skin). Both types of skin cancer usually occur in skin that has been exposed to sunlight, such as the skin on the face, neck, hands, and arms.

skin graft Skin that is moved from one part of the body to another.

skin patch A bandage-like patch that releases medicine into the body through the skin. The medicine enters the blood slowly and steadily.

skin stimulation The process of applying pressure, friction, temperature change, or chemical substances to the skin to lessen or block a feeling of pain.

skin test A test for an immune response to a compound by placing it on or under the skin.

stage 0 skin cancer Cancer is found in the epidermis (topmost layer of the skin) only, in the layer of cells in which the cancer began. Also called carcinoma in situ.

stage I skin cancer The tumor is no larger than 2 centimeters.

stage II skin cancer The tumor is larger than 2 centimeters.

stage III skin cancer Cancer has spread below the skin to cartilage, muscle, or bone and/or to nearby lymph nodes, but not to other parts of the body.

stage IV skin cancer Cancer has spread to other parts of the body.