Skin cancer

Malignant melanoma

Melanoma - neck

Melanoma of the liver - MRI scan

Sentinel node biopsy

Skin

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, malignant melanoma

Skin cancer, melanoma - flat, brown lesion

Skin cancer, melanoma on the fingernail

Skin cancer, melanoma - raised, dark lesion

Skin cancer, melanoma superficial spreading

Skin cancer, raised multi-color melanoma

Sun protection

Sun’s effect on skin

Alternative Names

Cancer - skin

Treatment

Different types of skin cancer require different treatment approaches. Surgical removal of the cancer is very common.

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. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma rarely spread to other parts of the body. However, melanoma is more likely to spread. See the specific skin cancer articles for additional information.

Complications

Calling your health care provider

Any suspicious mole, sore, or skin growth should be looked at by a physician immediately. You should take seriously any changes in a mole or any sudden growth on the skin.

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Skin cancer

Review Date: 08/12/2009
Reviewed By: Jonathan Kantor, MD, North Florida Dermatology Associates, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).