Middle School - Terminology

ABCD Rule – a way to tell the difference between a regular mole and one that may be skin cancer – Asymmetry, Border, Color and Diameter

Basal Cell Carcinoma – skin cancer that forms in the base of the outer layer of skin

Benign Tumor – non-cancer growth

Cancer – abnormal/changed cells in the body that form a tumor or growth

Malignant Tumor – a cancer growth

Melanoma – skin cancer that forms in the pigment; the deadliest form of skin cancer

Pigment – the melanin in the upper layers of the skin that determines the color of a person’s skin

Risk Factor – anything that increases a person's chance of getting a disease such as cancer

Skin - the largest organ in the body

Skin Cancer – a cancer of the skin whether a melanoma or nonmelanoma

Skin Exam – a once-per-month early detection method for changes in the skin including possible skin cancers

Squamous Cell Carcinoma – skin cancer in the flat cells that form the surface of the skin

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) – the sunscreen rating that refers to the product's ability to screen or block out the sun's burning rays

Sunscreen – a lotion or spray that can help limit skin damage from the sun

Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation – radiation that comes from sunlight or artificial tanning lights that is harmful to the skin

UV-A – Ultraviolet rays from the sun which can cause long-term damage to the skin

UV-B – Ultraviolet rays from the sun which affect the skin’s pigment and can cause sunburn