Background

Skin cancer can be divided into two groups—melanoma and nonmelanoma.  Most nonmelanoma skin cancers are either basal cell or squamous cell cancers.

Basal cell and squamous cell cancers are the most common forms of skin cancer.  They typically occur on areas of the body exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation (from the sun or from tanning beds) or other forms of radiation.  The damaging effects of UV radiation build over time, so greater lifetime exposure increases the risk of developing these types of cancers.  Nonmelanoma skin cancers typically show up as red, scaly plaques or shiny pink to red papules that can be tender, bleed spontaneously and won’t heal.  These cancers grow very slowly and are generally easy to treat with surgery.  However, if they are not treated, they can grow very large and, in rare circumstances, can spread to other parts of the body.  Depending on the size and part of the body affected, treatment can include topical chemotherapeutic creams, surgery, and/or radiation.

Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer and can occur anywhere on the body including areas that are never exposed to UV radiation.  If caught late or left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body.  It is more common in fair-skinned people and can run in families.  UV exposure is a common cause of melanoma, and intermittent high-intensity exposure is the most dangerous pattern of UV exposure for increasing the risk of developing melanoma.  Melanoma typically shows up as a dark brown or black mole on the skin.  Signs that a mole might be abnormal or might be a melanoma include the A, B, C, D, Es:  Asymmetry, jagged or uneven Borders, multiple Colors, large Diameter (larger than the eraser on a pencil), and/or a mole that is Evolving or changing color or shape.

Warning signs of melanoma

Asymmetry: One-half of the mole looks different from the other

Border: Irregular or scalloped border

Color: Multiple colors—combination of reds, light browns, and very dark areas

Diameter: Greater than 6 mm (size of a pencil eraser)

Evolving: Any mole that is changing in size, shape, or color