These are called diagnostic tests. Some tests are used for diagnostic purposes, but are not suitable for screening people who have no symptoms. The skin is the body's outermost covering and offers protection from heat and light, injury, and infection. Melanoma is the rarest and most serious form of the disease. The epidermis is made up of squamous cells, basal cells, and melanocytes.
Melanocytes are the cells from which melanoma begins to develop.
Risk of skin cancer Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Anything that increases a person's chance of developing a disease is called a risk factor. Sex - Rates of skin cancer deaths in white males have increased in recent years, possibly as a result of the increase in outdoor recreation activities. Age - Rates of melanoma rise rapidly in Caucasians older than 20 years. Individual History - Persons with certain types of moles or those with a family history of dysplastic nevus syndrome are at a higher risk for developing melanoma.