Skin Cancer (Melanoma)

Overview

Did you know your skin is your body’s largest organ? It’s a protective barrier that helps keep your other organs safe inside, while keeping germs, water and other substances out. And it helps you regulate body temperature. 

Types of Skin Cancers

When cancer develops in one of the three types of skin cells (basal, melanocytes and squamous cells), it’s called skin cancer.  

There are three main types of skin cancer, each named for the cells it grows in:

• Basal cell carcinoma—the most common type of skin cancer, it usually occurs where your body gets the most sun exposure, such as the face or neck, and may look like a shiny, pearly bump. Or basal cell carcinoma can show up as a flesh-colored or brown patch that resembles a scar.
• Melanoma—can develop anywhere on the body of people with all skin tones. It can appear on skin not normally exposed to the sun, such as the soles of your feet, underneath your fingernails or in your genital area. And it can grow in an existing mole, causing that mole to become cancerous. Melanoma may look like a large, speckled brown spot, or a colored spot (blackish-blue, white or red) with irregular borders.
• Squamous cell carcinoma—usually occurs on the parts of your body with the most sun exposure. It may look like a red lump or a flat spot with a crusty surface. Squamous cells serve as your skin’s inner lining.

Early Detection & Prevention

People can develop skin cancer on areas of their body that don’t often see the sun, but it’s usually linked to sun exposure. Our skin is sensitive to the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation found in sunlight. If we fail to protect our skin from the sun, we often end up with a sunburn. Over time, repeated skin damage can lead to skin cancer.

Even though skin cancer often occurs in people with fair skin and is frequently linked to sun exposure, everyone is at risk for melanoma and other types of skin cancer.

When melanoma and other skin cancers are detected early, they can be treated successfully.

Skin Cancer Treatment

If you have melanoma or another type of skin cancer, it’s natural to feel worried. We offer the practical advice, emotional encouragement and expert care you need. Our cancer care team includes dermatologists, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists. Together, we create a custom treatment plan to treat your cancer while minimizing scars and other side effects.

Types of Treatment Options

Your treatments will depend on what type of skin cancer you have and whether it’s contained to one small area of skin or has begun to spread. Our multidisciplinary approach offers some of the most advanced treatments available, including:

• Medical Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Radiation Oncology

 Whole-Body Care & Support

You can complement your treatments with our wide range of integrative medicine programs and other cancer resources. These include stress management, financial counseling and help with transportation and medications.