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Skin Cancer
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Skin Hair Nails

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and early detection greatly improves treatment success.

Overview

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The two most common types are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. They usually form on the head, face, neck, hands, and arms. Another type, melanoma, is more dangerous but less common.

Risk Factors

Anyone can get skin cancer, but it is more common in people who:

  • Spend a lot of time in the sun or have been sunburned
  • Have light‑colored skin, hair and eyes
  • Have a family member with skin cancer
  • Are over age 50

Diagnosis

You should have your doctor check any suspicious skin markings and any changes in the way your skin looks. Early detection allows treatment to work more effectively.

Treatment & Management

If not treated, some types of skin cancer cells can spread to other tissues and organs. Treatment options include:

  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Photodynamic therapy (PDT) – uses a drug and a type of laser light to kill cancer cells
  • Biologic therapy – boosts your body’s own ability to fight cancer

Frequently Asked Questions

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer and rarely spreads to other parts of the body. It is typically treated with local therapies such as excision, Mohs surgery, or cryotherapy, and the cure rate is very high when caught early. Melanoma, while less common, is more aggressive and has the potential to metastasize to lymph nodes and internal organs if not treated promptly. Treatment for melanoma may involve wider surgical excision, lymph node dissection, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy depending on the stage. Early detection of melanoma is critical because the five-year survival rate drops significantly once the cancer has spread.
Patients should look for changes in Asymmetry (one half looks different from the other), Border irregularity (edges are ragged, notched, or blurred), Color variation (different shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue), Diameter larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser), and Evolution (any change in size, shape, color, or elevation). Additionally, new spots that bleed, crust, itch, or do not heal within four weeks are significant red flags. Any spot that looks or feels different from your other moles, or that changes over time, should be evaluated by a professional, as early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Sunscreen is a vital tool but is not sufficient on its own for comprehensive protection. It should be used as part of a broader strategy that includes seeking shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), wearing protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves, and avoiding tanning beds entirely. Sunscreen can be missed or applied incorrectly, so physical barriers and behavioral changes are equally important. Additionally, regular self-examinations and professional screenings are essential because sunscreen does not protect against genetic predispositions or existing lesions that may already be developing.
The frequency of professional skin exams depends on individual risk. For those with average risk, an annual check-up is generally recommended. However, individuals with a personal or family history of skin cancer, fair skin, light-colored eyes or hair, a history of severe sunburns, or more than 50 moles should have exams every six months or as directed by their dermatologist. Self-exams should be performed monthly to detect new or changing lesions early. If you have a known history of non-melanoma skin cancer, more frequent surveillance is often necessary to monitor for recurrence or new primary tumors.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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