Skin ExpertsSkin Cancer

Skin Cancer Information

More people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined, and one in five Americans will develop some type of skin cancer over the course of their lifetime.1 With early detection and treatment most skin cancers are completely curable.

Why Treat Skin Cancer

Early detection and treatment of any form of skin cancer is essential both to prevent the disease from spreading to other areas of the body and to achieving better outcomes.

Research has shown that most skin cancers are detected by patients rather than doctors. Learning how to examine your own skin and allowing your physician to periodically help can promote skin health and also can dramatically reduce your risks of having significant problems with skin cancer.

Learn about self-examinations by downloading a free Skin Cancer Self-Exam Kit.

ASDS dermatologists offer free skin cancer screenings as part of the Choose Skin Health program. Find a free Choose Skin Health screening near you.

Skin Cancer Expertise

For the seventh consecutive year, skin cancer treatments ranked as the most-performed procedure (3.5 million) by ASDS members, confirming both the growing incidence of the disease as well as demand for ASDS member expertise of its treatment.

Of the 3.5 million skin cancer procedures performed by ASDS members last year, 228,000 were for melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. Since 2012, melanoma has increased 56 percent, and non-melanoma skin cancers have increased 33 percent.

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There are many different kinds of skin cancers, with each type being distinguished by the types of skin cells that are primarily affected. The three most common forms of skin cancer are:

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

The most common skin cancer and the most frequent cancer in humans, BCC affects more than 1 million people each year in the United States. BCC develops in the basal cells that make up the deepest layer of the epidermis, the top layer of the skin.

BCC may appear as a shiny, translucent or pearly bump; a sore that does not heal; a pink, slightly elevated growth; a reddish irritated patch of skin; or a waxy scar-like lesion. It is most commonly found on skin that has been chronically exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, scalp, chest and back. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent damage to surrounding tissue.

Download this PDF for non-melanoma skin cancer treatment options.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

This cancer begins in the squamous cells, which also are found in the upper layer of the skin. More than 200,000 cases are reported each year in the United States. SCC may appear as a crusted or scaly area of skin with a red, inflamed base that resembles a growing bump, a non-healing ulcer or a crusted patch of skin. While it usually appears on areas of the body that frequently are exposed to the sun, SCC can develop anywhere, including areas that never typically receive sunlight. SCC requires early treatment to prevent it from causing damage to prevent it from causing damage to surrounding body features and from spreading to other areas of the body.

Melanoma

This cancer begins in the melanocytes, the cells that provide the skin’s color. Melanoma is one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer because it can spread rapidly inside the body. Approximately one American dies from melanoma every hour. With early detection and proper treatment, most melanomas are easily cured with minor surgical procedures. Once melanoma leaves the skin and spreads inside the body, the cure rates drop dramatically.

Skin Cancer Do's and Don'ts

Do...

  • Reduce sun exposure. Minimize your time in the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun's rays are the strongest. Sun-protective clothing such as sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves and pants also can help protect your skin.

  • Use sunscreen. Choose a sunscreen everyday with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and with both UVA and UVB protection. Board-certified dermatologists recommend a shot glass-sized amount of sunscreen for your whole body (with about a tablespoon for the face, neck and ears).

  • Stay out of tanning beds. Avoid exposure to tanning beds and artificial tanning devices.

  • Recognize the ABCDEs of moles and melanoma. Any changing skin lesion should be examined by a board-certified dermatologist. During your self-examinations, look for the following warning signs in skin lesions:

    • Asymmetry (not uniform in appearance)

    • Border irregularity (jagged or irregular borders)

    • Color variability

    • Diameter larger than a pencil eraser

    • Evolving or changing moles

  • Visit an ASDS dermatologist. If you notice a suspicious mole or lesion, schedule a visit with an ASDS dermatologist, who is uniquely trained and experienced in the management of diseases of the skin, hair and nails and is your most reliable source for the continued protection and health of your skin.

 
Don't...

  • Ignore the signs of skin cancer. An annual skin cancer screening by a medical professional is often helpful to identify skin cancer in its early stages. A visit to an ASDS dermatologist should be scheduled if any abnormal skin lesions are noticed since changing moles or non-healing sores can be serious skin cancers.

  • Forego a professional medical evaluation. Because some forms of skin cancer can be mistaken for harmless freckles or moles and may therefore be unrecognized by those without proper medical training, it is best to always consult an ASDS dermatologist before undergoing any cosmetic procedure on the skin.

  • Be afraid to ask questions. To understand the impact that certain treatments can have on your health and physical appearance, it is important to ask your medical professional the following questions:

    • What are my treatment choices? Which alternatives do you recommend? Why?

    • What are the expected benefits of each kind of treatment?

    • What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment?

    • Will the proposed treatment affect my appearance and normal activities?

References
1. Stern RS. Prevalence of a history of skin cancer in 2007: results of an incidence-based model. Arch Dermatol. 2010 Mar;146(3):279-82.