Skin
Cancers
3 main types of Skin Cancers
1. Basal cell carcinoma
2. Squamous cell carcinoma
3. Melanoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma
• Basal cell carcinoma is
the most frequently
diagnosed skin cancer
(2.8 million every year
in U.S.).
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
It is more aggressive than basal and can spread
to other parts of the body and may result in
death (approximately 2,500/year).
Melanoma
• Malignant melanoma is the most deadly of
the three types of cancer.
• Melanoma accounts for less than 5% of the
skin cancer cases.
• It causes more than 75% of the skin cancer
deaths.
• Melanoma causes about 8,790 deaths each
year in the U.S.
Source: CDC http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/
http://www.skincancer.org/
Ordinary Moles
ORDINARY MOLES have
all of these features:
• Round or oval shape
• Sharp, even borders with
skin
• Uniform color (usually
brown)
• Less than 1/4 inch wide
• Cauliflower or smooth
surface
• Even dome shape if mole
is raised
http://www.skincheck.org/
Atypical Melanoma Moles
ATYPICAL MOLES often have
one or more of these features:
• Irregular shape
• Uneven and/or fuzzy borders
with skin
• Two or more shades of brown
or pink
• 1/4 inch wide or more
• Cauliflower or smooth
surface
• Flat edges with "fried egg"
center if mole is raised
http://www.skincheck.org/
Risk Factors for Skin Cancer
• Fair skin • Indoor tanning
• Light hair color • Large number of
• Family history of skin
normal moles
cancer
• Blistering sunburn
before the age of 20
• Atypical moles
Treatment Modalities
• Cryotherapy (freezing)
• Excisional surgery
• Mohs micrographic surgery
• Curettage
• electrodessication combined with cryotherapy
• Radiation
• Chemotherapy
Prevention: Sun
Smart
In your group, discuss and record ways
to reduce your chances of skin
cancer.