Definition of skin cancer: Cancer that forms in the tissues of the skin. There are several types of skin cancer. Skin cancer that forms in melanocytes (skin cells that make pigment) is called melanoma. Skin cancer that forms in the lower part of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) is called basal cell carcinoma. Skin cancer that forms in squamous cells (flat cells that form the surface of the skin) is called squamous cell carcinoma. Skin cancer that forms in neuroendocrine cells (cells that release hormones in response to signals from the nervous system) is called neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. Most skin cancers form in older people on parts of the body exposed to the sun or in people who have weakened immune systems.
Estimated new cases and deaths from skin (nonmelanoma) cancer in the United States in 2012:
- New cases: more than 2,000,000
- Deaths: less than 1,000
See the online booklet What You Need To Know About™ Melanoma and Other Skin Cancers to learn about skin cancer symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and questions to ask the doctor.
Treatment
Information about treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and vaccine therapy- Skin Cancer Treatment
[ patient ] [ health professional ] - Clinical Trials to Treat Skin Cancer (Nonmelanoma)
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma Treatment
[ patient ] [ health professional ] - Clinical Trials to Treat Merkel Cell Carcinoma
- Drugs Approved for Skin Cancer
- In Cancer, Hitting a Target Called Hedgehog
- Cryosurgery in Cancer Treatment: Q & A
- Lasers in Cancer Treatment
[ patient ] [ health professional ]
[ patient ] [ health professional ]
Prevention, Genetics, Causes Information related to prevention, genetics, and risk factors
Screening and Testing
Information about methods of cancer detection including new imaging technologies, tumor markers, and biopsy procedures- Skin Cancer Screening
[ patient ] [ health professional ] - Interpreting Laboratory Test Results
[ patient ] [ health professional ]
