MICROBIO 160 Lecture Notes - Lecture 21: Dermis, Stratum Basale, Carcinoma

• School: UMASS-Amherst
• Department: Microbiology
• Course: MICROBIO 160
• Professor: Heather Reed

Document Summary

Skin cancer: skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the us, 40-50% of americans who live to age 65 have skin cancer at least once, estimated new cases= 73,870 and deaths= 9,940 from melanoma. Exposure to sunlight: whenever possible, people should avoid exposude to midday sun from 10am to. 3pm keep protective clothing on, such as sun hats and long sleeves: melanocytes produce melanin to protect the skin from uv rays if uv rays exceed what can be blocked by your levels of melanin, sunburn results. Effects of uv radiation: antioxidants might prevent dna damage and impede tumor initiation, but once cancer starts, it might help facilitate and feed it. 3 types of cancer cells: squamous cell cancer: Starts in middle layer of epidermis and penetrating deeply. Gradually forms a raised patch with rough surface: basal cell cancer: Forms a painless bump that becomes an open ulcer with hard edge: malignant melanoma.