Skin cancer is the growth of abnormal skin cells. These cancer cells grow out of control and damage nearby healthy tissue. Some types of skin cancer can also spread to other parts of the body. There are different types of skin cancer, the three most common kinds are:
Most skin cancers can be cured when found early. Certain skin cancers can be fatal if found in late stages.
Cancer occurs when cells in the body grow without control or order. This uncontrolled growth is caused by damage to DNA in the cells. Your genes and the environment (such as sun exposure) probably both play a role. This extra growth builds up and forms a tumor. Cancer tumors will also invade nearby healthy tissues. Eventually, some of the cancer cells can break off and travel to other parts of the body.
UV radiation damages the DNA of skin cells. Both the sun and tanning beds make these UV rays. The damage may build up over a lifetime. It can also happen after a brief intense exposures, like sunburns.
While skin cancer can develop in anyone, it is more likely to develop in people with:
Other factors that may increase the chances of skin cancer:
The first symptoms of skin cancers are a change in the skin. One type of change known as actinic keratosis. It is considered a precancerous change. This scaly, crusty change to skin can develop into skin cancer if left untreated.
Skin changes caused by cancer will depend on the type of skin cancer, for example:
Basal cell carcinoma may appear as any of the following:
Squamous cell carcinoma may appear as a:
Skin cancers can occur anywhere, but are more common on places that are exposed to the sun.
Finding skin cancer early offers the best chance for a cure.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
If the doctor suspects cancer a biopsy will be done. A sample of the skin will be removed and examined for the cancer cells.
The nearby lymph nodes (glands) may be checked if the growth is large. Cancer in the lymph nodes means the cancer may have spread. More tests will be needed if cancer is found in the lymph nodes.
Treatment will depend on the type of cancer, the size of the growth, and your overall health. Options may include:
Many skin cancers can be fully cut out of the skin. Some skin cancer can be completely removed during a biopsy. Larger skin cancers may be removed by surgery after a biopsy finds cancer. If skin cancer is completely removed, no further treatment is needed. Surgical techniques include:
Laser therapy uses a narrow beam of light to remove or destroy cancer cells. This is sometimes used for cancers in the outer layer of skin.
Radiation can kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It is aimed at the cancer to avoid damaging as much healthy tissue as possible.
Topical chemotherapy is medicine to kill the cancer cells. It is delivered in creams or lotions that are applied to the skin. This works best to treat skin conditions before they become cancer or cancers on the outer layer of the skin.
This type of therapy uses medicine to help your immune system. It can help your body identify and attack cancer cells.
To help reduce your chances of skin cancer:
If you see any changes in your skin contact your doctor for a skin exam.
American Academy of Dermatology
Skin Cancer Foundation
Canadian Cancer Society
Canadian Dermatology Association
Alberta Provincial Cutaneous Tumour Team. Prevention of skin cancer. Edmonton (Alberta): CancerControl Alberta; 2013 Feb. 27 p. (Clinical practice guideline; no. CU-014). Available at: https://www.guideline.gov/summaries/summary/48130?#Section420.
Basal and squamous cell skin cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer.html. Accessed March 6, 2018.
Basal cell carcinoma of the skin. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T113813/Basal-cell-ca...noma-of-the-skin. Updated February 27, 2018. Accessed March 6, 2018.
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116909/Cutaneous-squamous-cell-carcinoma. Updated October 23, 2017. Accessed March 6, 2018.
Skin cancer treatment (PDQ)—patient version. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/skin-treatment-pdq. Accessed March 6, 2018.
Sunscreen FAQs. American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: https://www.aad.org/media/stats/prevention-and-care/sunscreen-faqs. Accessed March 6, 2018.
Last reviewed March 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Monica Zangwill, MD, MPH
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.