What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer happens when abnormal cells grow in the outer layer of your skin. It most often develops in sun-exposed areas, but it can appear anywhere on the body.

Understanding your skin and noticing changes is one of the best ways to protect your health.

What causes skin cancer?

The most common cause is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning beds. Other factors can increase your risk, including:

• Previous skin cancer or precancerous spots
• Fair skin or a tendency to burn easily
• A history of frequent sunburns
• Getting older
• A weakened immune system

Symptoms

Skin cancer often begins with small, noticeable changes in your skin. Paying attention to these signs can help you catch problems early.

Common symptoms include:

• A new growth or spot on the skin
• A sore that doesn’t heal or keeps returning
• A bump that looks shiny, waxy, or scar-like
• Red or scaly patches that may crust or bleed
• A mole that changes in size, shape, or color
• Dark or uneven spots with irregular borders

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosing skin cancer usually starts with a careful skin exam. Your provider will look closely at any spots or areas of concern and ask about changes you’ve noticed.

If something looks suspicious, a small skin sample (biopsy) is taken and examined under a microscope. In some cases, additional tests are performed to see if the cancer has spread.

Types of Skin Cancer

There are several types of skin cancer, each with different behaviors:

• Basal cell carcinoma: The most common type, usually slow-growing and highly treatable
• Squamous cell carcinoma: Can grow deeper if not treated, but is often curable
• Melanoma: Less common but more serious because it can spread quickly
• Actinic keratosis: A precancerous condition that can turn into cancer if untreated

How is it treated?

Treatment depends on the type of skin cancer, how large it is, and whether it has spread. Most cases are treated successfully, especially when found early.

Common treatment options include:

• Removing the growth with a minor surgical procedure
• Mohs surgery for the precise removal of certain cancers
• Freezing precancerous spots (cryotherapy)
• Prescription creams or topical treatments
• Radiation or medication for more advanced cases

Recovery is often quick for early-stage cancers. Your provider may recommend regular skin checks to watch for any new changes.