Cancer - skin

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

For additional resources, see cancer support group.

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.

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.

Images

Skin cancer, close-up of level III melanoma

Melanoma - neck

Sun’s effect on skin

Skin cancer, close-up of level IV melanoma

Sun protection

Skin cancer, raised multi-color melanoma

Skin

Skin cancer, melanoma on the fingernail

Melanoma of the liver - MRI scan

Malignant melanoma

Skin cancer, melanoma - flat, brown lesion

Skin cancer, close-up of lentigo maligna melanoma

Skin cancer, melanoma - raised, dark lesion

Skin cancer, malignant melanoma

Sentinel node biopsy

Skin cancer, melanoma superficial spreading

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)