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.

Risk Factors

• Complexion - Skin cancers are more common in people with light-colored skin, hair, and eyes.

• Genetics - Having a family history of melanoma increases the risk of developing this cancer.

• Age - Nonmelanoma skin cancers are more common after age 40.

• Sun exposure and sunburn - The main cause of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. UV radiation is invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun.

     Skin cancer can develop in anyone, not only people with these risk factors. Young, healthy people -- even those with with dark skin, hair, and eyes -- can develop skin cancer.

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    

To treat skin cancer, the doctor will surgically remove any cancerous growths that are found.
Radiation therapy is best reserved for older, debilitated patients or when the tumor is considered inoperable. Laser therapy is sometimes useful in specific cases. Malignant melanoma can be treated if it is detected early enough. This type of skin cancer can spread quickly to other parts of the body.

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.

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.