Skin cancer (patient information)
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-in-Chief: Jinhui Wu, MD
Please Join in Editing This Page and Apply to be an Editor-In-Chief for this topic: There can be one or more than one Editor-In-Chief. You may also apply to be an Associate Editor-In-Chief of one of the subtopics below. Please mail us [1] to indicate your interest in serving either as an Editor-In-Chief of the entire topic or as an Associate Editor-In-Chief for a subtopic. Please be sure to attach your CV and or biographical sketch.
Overview of skin cancer?
Skin cancer is the most common of all cancer types in the United States. And the number of skin cancer cases has been on the rise for the past few decades. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer and melanoma. Other unusual form is Kaposi's sarcoma. Known risk factors invlove sunlight (solar UV radiation) exposure, light-colored skin, hair and eyes, moles, age, family history, etc. Skin cancer can appear on the head, face, neck, hands and arms. The patients may not feel any discomfort at the early of the period. With the development of the cancer, skin lesions appear. Skin biopsy is the most important test for the diagnosis. Early diagnosis is very important for the patients' prognosis. So, you should have your doctor check any suspicious skin markings and any changes in the way your skin looks. Treatments can work well when cancer is found early. If not treated, some types of skin cancer cells can spread to other tissues and organs. The preventive measures include protection skin when exposure under sunlight or UV light, selfcheck of any suspicious skin markings and any skin changes. If you find any suspicious sign, go to see your dermatologist as soon as possible.