Skin Cancer

The most common cancer in the United States affects the largest organ of the body: the skin. This is largely due to exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation rays. The good news is most skin cancer is slow-growing and can be effectively treated when caught in early stages.

There are three main types of skin cancer:

• Basal cell carcinoma. The most common type of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma is typically slow-growing and often appears on parts of the skin that receive frequent sun exposure, such as the head, neck and face.
• Squamous cell carcinoma. The second most common type of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma commonly occurs on the ears, face, lips, neck and backs of the hands.
• Melanoma. The most serious type of skin cancer, melanoma develops from the cells that make pigment in the epidermis (topmost layer of the skin). Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, including areas that haven’t been exposed to the sun. If not caught early, melanoma can spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body. It is the leading cause of death from skin cancer.

Other less-common, non-melanoma skin cancers include Kaposi’s sarcoma, Merkel cell carcinoma and cutaneous lymphoma.

The main symptom of skin cancer is a new spot (such as a mole, lesion, sore or lump) on the skin or a spot that has changed in shape, size or color. Symptoms of skin cancer vary according to type. Contact your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Sores that don’t heal, or heal and recur
• Bump that is pearl-like, pink or red; waxy; shiny; or translucent
• Patch of skin that is red, scaly or crusted over
• A flat, firm area of skin that looks like a scar
• Growth with a raised edge that’s lower in the center
• Brown or black spot with speckles of pink, red, blue or white
• Pigment, redness or swelling in a spot that has spread beyond its border
• Dark lesion on palms, soles of the feet, fingertips or toes
• Surface changes on a mole
• Painful lesions that itch or burn

Treatment for skin cancer depends on several factors, including the type, location and severity of the cancer. Treatment options may include:

Surgery. This is the most common treatment for skin cancer. Our surgeons, including board-certified plastic & reconstructive surgeons, can surgically remove cancerous and other skin lesions using specialized techniques to preserve your health and appearance. Although no surgery is without scars, your plastic surgeon will make every effort to treat your skin cancer without dramatically changing your appearance.

Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses powerful beams of energy to destroy cancer cells. It may be a good option for those who can’t have surgery or those with cancer in areas that are difficult to treat surgically, like the ears, eyelids or nose. It may also be used if not all the cancer was removed during surgery.

Chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy. A variety of drugs can be used to treat skin cancers in more advanced stages that have spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body — or skin cancers that can’t be cured surgically or with radiation therapy. These drugs target rapidly dividing cancer cells.

Additional services you may need during and after treatment include palliative care to help you get relief from cancer symptoms, as well as survivorship services to help you continue your recovery. Learn more about cancer treatment options and support services at MultiCare.

Most skin cancers can be treated when caught at an early stage. Taking preventive action, knowing the symptoms of skin cancer and getting periodic skin exams can help support your long-term health.

Learn More About Skin Cancer Risks, Prevention and Screening