[Why skin cancer?].

Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma are the most prevalent types of skin cancer. Recent developments in skin cancer research have made it possible to identify environmental factors involved in cutaneous carcinogenesis and to describe the molecular pathology of skin cancer. The alterations in the sonic hedgehog signalling pathway are responsible for the development of basal cell carcinoma, whereas deactivation of the p53 protein is an important step in the pathogenesis of squamous cell carcinoma. The pathogenesis of malignant melanoma remains to be elucidated. This article reviews the current understanding of the carcinogenic role of ultraviolet radiation and briefly summarises the importance of other possible aetiological factors, such as oxidative stress, oncoviruses, diet, or immune suppression.