Definition

Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of skin cells. If left unchecked, these cancer cells can spread from the skin into other tissues and organs.

There are different types of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common. Melanoma is less common, but more dangerous.

Melanoma of the liver - MRI scan
Skin cancer, malignant melanoma
Skin cancer, raised multi-color melanoma
Skin cancer, melanoma - flat, brown lesion
Skin cancer, melanoma - raised, dark lesion
Sentinel node biopsy
Sun protection
Skin
Skin cancer, melanoma on the fingernail
Skin cancer, close-up of lentigo maligna melanoma
Skin cancer, close-up of level III melanoma
Skin cancer, close-up of level IV melanoma
Skin cancer, melanoma superficial spreading
Melanoma - neck
Malignant melanoma

Alternative Names

Cancer - skin

Symptoms

Skin cancers may have many different appearances. They can be small, shiny, or waxy, scaly and rough, firm and red, crusty or bleeding, or have other features. Therefore, anything suspicious should be looked at by a physician. See the individual articles on specific skin cancers for more information.

Here are some features to look for:

• Asymmetry: one half of the abnormal skin area is different than the other half
• Borders: irregular borders
• Color: varies from one area to another with shades of tan, brown, or black (sometimes white, red, blue)
• Diameter: usually (but not always) larger than 6 mm in size (diameter of a pencil eraser)

Use a mirror or have someone help you look on your back, shoulders, and other hard-to-see areas.

Treatment

Different types of skin cancer require different treatment approaches. See the specific type of skin cancer for information:

• Basal cell carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Melanoma

Support Groups

For additional resources, see cancer support group.

Expectations (prognosis)

The outlook depends on a number of factors, including the type of cancer and how quickly it was diagnosed. See the specific skin cancer articles for additional information.

Calling your health care provider

Any suspicious mole, sore, or skin growth should be looked at by a physician immediately. Take any changes in a mole or sudden growth of a skin lesion seriously.

Prevention

Minimizing sun exposure is the best way to prevent skin damage, including many types of skin cancer:

• Protect your skin from the sun when you can -- wear protective clothing such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, long skirts, or pants.
• Try to avoid exposure during midday, when the sun is most intense.
• Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply sunscreen at least one-half hour before sun exposure, and reapply frequently.
• Apply sunscreen during winter months as well.

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Review Date:10/26/2006
Reviewed By: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.