Key Points The major determinant of human skin color and sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the activity of melanocytes, i.e. the quantity and quality of pigment production, not the density of melanocytes. Melanocytes contain a unique lysosome-related intracytoplasmic organelle,…
Key Points Specific genes implicated in causing each major form of skin cancer have been identified through genetic studies on hereditary and/or sporadic skin cancer. Their role in promoting cutaneous neoplasia is supported and confirmed by functional studies in animal…
Key Points Malignant tumors are characterized by biologic heterogeneity, made of cells with different metastatic potentials. Metastasis is a sequential and selective process involving the tumor cell and the surrounding stroma (or microenvironment). Skin cancer deaths are mainly due to…