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Skin Cancer

The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma (both collectively known as "non-melanoma skin cancer ") and melanoma. Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is most prevalent, especially in lighter-skinned people. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common cancer in humans and it rarely spreads internally. It can be disfiguring, however, if left untreated.

Skin Cancer

Signs & Symptoms

A skin cancer might appear as a new, changing, or bleeding bump on the skin. They may be painful or completely asymptomatic. Skin cancers always exhibit growth, though many patients may not be able to recognize the change due to 1) spots being on a person's back or 2) very slow growth. Skin cancers are most commonly pink or brown but many other colors (such as blue or skin-colored) can be seen. Melanoma is a very deadly form of skin cancer and it must be diagnosed and treated quickly to keep patients safe.

Treatment

Patients with suspicious spots should seek the care of an expert. Dermatologists typically biopsy suspicious lesions and recommend surgical or other treatment based upon the results of the biopsy. Skin biopsies are not a stressful procedure for patients because local numbing (aka anesthesia in one spot on the skin without the need to be put to sleep) is always given before the procedure is performed. Skin surgery is also usually able to be performed with the help of local anesthesia which eliminates the inherent risks of general anesthesia to patients.

Reference: Perez et al. Skin cancer: Primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. J Am Acad Dermatol, 2022. PMID: 35176397.

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