Skin Cancer

Home » Skin Cancer » Overview

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Your Cancer
(Free Handout)

Overview

Skin cancer, like other forms of cancer, results from the unrestrained growth and division of cells. Perhaps because of our love for the sun, skin cancer is being reported more frequently every year. In fact, it is now the most common form of cancer.

Skin cancer is categorized as one of two general types, melanoma and non-melanoma. Both types are principally caused by excessive exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays, and each type can be deadly.

There are four types of melanoma and two common types of non-melanoma cancer. The four types of melanoma are classified according to their respective growth patterns. They are superficial spreading melanoma (SSM), nodular melanoma (NM), acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), and lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM).

The two common types of non-melanoma skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). These types are the most common skin cancers, and BCC occurs more frequently than SCC. Although BCC and SCC are often treatable, malignant melanoma has a fatality rate unparalleled by either non-melanoma type. The types of skin cancer vary with regard to their cells of origination and the clinical presentation.

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer
In the United States, approximately 1 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are detected each year. Of these cases, over 500,000 are basal cell carcinoma and the rest are squamous cell carcinoma. True incidence of these cancers is unknown. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 2200 people died from non-melanoma skin cancer in the year 2002. Overall, non-melanoma skin cancers account for less than 0.1% of cancer-related deaths.

Like melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancer frequently develops on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun. It often occurs on the neck, face, back, forearms, and the backs of the hands. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common non-melanoma skin cancers. Unlike basal cell cancers, squamous cell carcinomas can metastasize. Despite this, the 5-year survival rate for squamous cell carcinoma is greater than 95%.

Early detection is important to increase the chance for successful treatment. Regular self-examination, as well as periodic, thorough examinations by a dermatologist, are the greatest aid in early diagnosis. Many experts suggest a monthly self-exam, especially in high-risk individuals (e.g., patients who have a history of skin cancer).

After or during a bath or shower, the skin (including the underarms, the backs of the legs and feet, the skin between the buttocks, the genital area, the soles of the feet, the spaces between the toes, and the scalp) should be examined in a bright room with a full-length mirror. A hand-held mirror can be used to examine hard-to-see areas, and a blow dryer can be used to move hair to examine the scalp.

The location, size, shape, number, and color of all familiar moles, birthmarks, scars, and blemishes should be noted, as well as any new or unusual changes in the skin. For example, a sore that does not heal, a mole that has grown or changed color, or any other change in the skin should be reported to a physician as soon as possible. Because BCC rarely invades and spreads, it is rarely life threatening; however, early detection and treatment is necessary to mimimize tissue destruction and scarring.

Skin Cancer Resources

	Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Your Cancer The more knowledge you have, the easier it is to make decisions about your cancer treatment. Print this free handout to take with you on your next office visit.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Join Our Skin Cancer Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted. June 1st is National Cancer Survivors Day Share your survival story and help others in the fight against cancer. Read cancer survivor stories already submitted.
Advertising Disclaimer To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar. Advertising Disclaimer