Skin cancer

Credit: DR M.A. ANSARY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Caption: Skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) on an albino's wrist. SCC arises from the uncontrolled proliferation of squamous cells, flattened cells in the skin and mucous membranes. It causes the formation of a large, ulcer-like area that, in its later stages, can spread to other parts of the body. This form of cancer is most commonly caused by sunlight. As albinos lack the skin pigmentation that protects the skin from the ultraviolet rays in sunlight, they are particularly vulnerable to this form of skin cancer. Treatment is by surgical excision. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy may also be needed. Photographed in Africa.

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