Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. It is estimated that one in five individuals to will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. Fortunately, skin cancer can be easily detected with a proper skin examination and when treated early has a high cure rate. Individuals can also take steps to reduce their risk of skin cancer by using proper sun protection. The Most Common Types of Skin Cancer The diagnosis of a skin cancer is confirmed by a skin biopsy. This is an easily performed procedure done under local anesthesia. A portion of the suspicious lesion is removed and examined with a microscope. There are multiple treatment options for skin cancers to include both surgical and nonsurgical options. Many factors must be taken into consideration when tailoring skin cancer treatment to a particular individual.
Basal Cell Carcinoma Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. Approximately one million new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year alone. Basal cell carcinomas most frequently occur on sun exposed areas of the body, especially the head and neck area. They commonly present as an area that bleeds easily and doesn't heal, a red and scaly area that is persistent, or a waxy, translucent bump on the skin often with visible blood vessels. Basal cell carcinomas tend to be slow growing and nonaggressive skin cancers. It is very rare for basal cell carcinomas to metastasize (spread to other areas of the body). There are multiple treatment options for basal cell carcinomas to include both surgical and nonsurgical options which must be tailored to each individual patient. Proper treatment of basal cell carcinomas has a very high cure rate. However, individuals with a history of a basal cell carcinoma are at a much higher risk of developing additional basal cell carcinomas in the future. Therefore, regular skin examinations and sun protection are very important. 
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer. The development of a squamous cell carcinoma is strongly associated with chronic sun exposure and therefore they most commonly develop in sun exposed areas. The development of squamous cell carcinomas can also associated with human papillloma virus (wart virus) infection and therefore can develop in non-sun exposed areas such as the genital area. Squamous cell carcinomas typically develop as a rough, scaly area that at times may be sensitive or tender. They commonly develop from a precursor lesion called and actinic keratosis. Squamous cell carcinomas can rarely metastasize therefore early detection and treatment are very important. There are multiple treatment options for squamous cell carcinomas to include both surgical and nonsurgical options which must be tailored to each individual patient. Individuals with a history of a squamous cell carcinoma are at increased risk for the development of additional skin cancers. It is important that they have regular dermatology examinations and maintain proper sun protection.
Melanoma Malignant melanoma is one of the most serious types of skin cancer. Melanomas that are left untreated commonly metastasize (spread) to other areas of the body. If detected early however, surgical excision of the lesion is normally curative. Melanoma usually presents as a new or existing mole that changes. A popular method for remembering the most common signs and symptoms of melanoma is the ABCDE Rule: A | Asymmetry | One half of the mole looks different from the other half |
| B | Border | A mole with an irregular or "scalloped" border should raise suspicion |
| C | Color | A mole that is either very dark or has multiple colors within it should raise suspicion |
| D | Diameter | Moles that are greater than 6 mm in diameter, the size of a pencil eraser, are at increased risk of melanoma |
| E | Evolving | Any mole that is changing should be evaluate |
Regular dermatology visits and monthly self skin examinations can increase early detection and increase survival. Proper sun protection can decrease an individuals chances of developing melanoma. Treatment and prognosis of melanoma is mainly based on the depth of tumor invasion. Most melanomas are treated with surgical excision. Deeper melanomas may also be treated with the addition of chemotherapy. In individuals with a history of melanoma skin cancer it is very important that they are monitored closely for recurrence of the melanoma and the development of new melanomas.
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