What term refers to cancer that affects the skin?

The term that refers to cancer affecting the skin is best captured by "Neoplastic skin diseases," which encompasses a variety of skin cancers. This term broadly includes different types of skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Melanoma specifically refers to a type of skin cancer that arises from melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, the pigment in skin. While it's one of the most well-known skin cancers, it is just one subset of neoplastic skin diseases.

Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are also specific types of skin cancers. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, often arising on sun-exposed areas of the skin, and squamous cell carcinoma is another prevalent form, also linked to sun exposure. Each of these conditions is categorized under the broader term of neoplastic skin diseases, which captures the various malignant (cancerous) growths that can occur within the skin tissue. This holistic term allows for a comprehensive understanding of the different forms and mechanisms associated with skin cancer.