Melanocytes

What are melanocytes? What role do the play in the development of skin cancer, especially melanoma?

These are good questions because these skin cells play a major role in the development of skin cancer, particular melanoma.

These skin cells try to protect the skin from sun damage but if over exposure to UV radiation occurs they become damaged.

The following picture shows where these cells are found in the skin and why they are so easily damaged by ultraviolet radiation (the dangerous rays given off by the sun).

Picture of Skin Layers Showing Melanocytes

The skin has two main layers: the outer epidermis and the inner dermis.

The epidermis is mostly made up of flat, scale like cells called squamous cells. Round cells called basal cells lie under the squamous cells in the epidermis. The lower part of the epidermis also contains melanocytes.

The dermis contains blood vessels, lymph vessels, hair follicles, and glands.

What These Skin Cells Do
  • They are cells in the skin that produce melanin. (Melanin gives the skin its natural color.
  • They absorb some of the deadly ultraviolet radiation which is given off by the sun.
What Happens When They Become Cancerous
  • Melanoma begins when melanocytes start to act differently than they should and they start to divide without any control or order.
  • These abnormal skin cells invade and destroy the normal cells around them. When this happens a small cancerous tumor grows on the surface of the skin.
By understanding the process, we can appreciate how important it is to to use sunscreen and take other precautions when we are out in the sun.

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Famous People With Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer In Children
Prevent Skin Cancer – Use a Sunscreen
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Precancerous Skin
Melanoma
Cure For Cancer
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Pediatric Melanoma

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