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Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. It develops when skin cells grow and divide abnormally, often due to damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Many skin cancers are highly treatable when found early.

There are three major categories:

  • Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) – the most common and typically slow‑growing.
  • Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) – may be more aggressive and can spread if untreated.
  • Melanoma – less common but the most serious; more likely to spread and requires prompt treatment.

Types of Skin Cancer

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

  • Starts in the basal cells of the skin’s top layer.
  • Often appears as a pearly bump, flat flesh‑colored patch, or small pink growth.
  • Rarely spreads but can invade nearby tissue if untreated.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

  • Arises from squamous cells in the outer skin.
  • Common on sun‑exposed areas; may look like a firm red nodule or scaly patch.
  • Can spread if neglected, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

Melanoma

  • Begins in melanocytes (pigment‑producing cells).
  • May arise in an existing mole or appear as a new, unusual spot.
  • Early detection dramatically improves survival.

Signs & Symptoms

Skin cancer can present in many ways. Seek evaluation for:

  • New or changing moles
  • Spots that itch, bleed, or do not heal
  • Bumps, rough patches, or lesions that grow over time
  • Asymmetry, irregular borders, uneven color, or diameter >6mm in pigmented lesions (ABCDEs of melanoma)

Risk Factors

  • UV exposure (sunburn history, tanning beds)
  • Fair skin, light eyes or hair, freckles
  • Personal or family history of skin cancer
  • Weakened immune system
  • Certain genetic predispositions (e.g., familial melanoma syndromes)

Screening

There is no universal recommendation for routine skin‑cancer screening in all adults, but:

  • Many clinicians recommend regular skin checks, especially for people with risk factors.
  • Self‑exams help detect changing skin lesions early.
  • Prevention focuses on UV protection: sunscreen (SPF 30+), protective clothing, avoiding tanning beds, seeking shade.

Diagnosis

Evaluation may include:

by a clinician

(shave, punch, or excisional) to confirm type and depth

Possible for melanoma or advanced SCC

Staging 

Non‑Melanoma Skin Cancers (BCC/SCC)

Most BCCs and early SCCs do not require formal staging because they rarely spread. When staging is used for SCC (and occasionally advanced BCC), it considers tumor size, depth, perineural invasion, and spread to lymph nodes or distant sites.

Melanoma

Staged from 0–IV based on tumor thickness, ulceration, lymph‑node involvement, and metastasis.

  • Stage 0: in situ
  • Stage I–II: localized
  • Stage III: regional lymph‑node involvement
  • Stage IV: distant spread

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type of skin cancer, its stage, and its location.

Basal Cell & Squamous Cell Carcinomas

  • Surgery (excision or Mohs surgery)
  • Topical treatments for early, superficial lesions
  • Cryotherapy for select small lesions
  • Radiation therapy when surgery is not feasible
  • Targeted or immunotherapy for advanced cases (rare)

Melanoma

  • Surgery (mainstay for early melanoma)
  • Systemic Sentinel lymph‑node biopsy for staging in appropriate tumors
  • Immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or combination regimens for regional or metastatic disease
  • Radiation therapy in select settings

Prognosis

  • Most BCC and SCC are highly curable.
  • Melanoma prognosis depends on stage; early detection leads to excellent survival, while metastatic melanoma requires specialized systemic therapy.

Follow-Up & Survivorship 

Follow-up typically includes: 

  • Regular skin exams to detect recurrence or new lesions
  • Ongoing sun‑protection counseling
  • For melanoma or high‑risk SCC: periodic imaging, lymph‑node evaluations, and symptom reviews

Why Choose Illinois CancerCare

  • Comprehensive evaluation for all skin cancer types, including melanoma
  • Multidisciplinary care with dermatology partners, surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology
  • Access to immunotherapy and targeted therapies for advanced disease
  • Education on prevention and surveillance personalized to each patient

See our Current Clinical Trials page for studies that may be available to you.

Sources & Patient Friendly References

All information was taken from the NCI (National Cancer Institute) and ACS (American Cancer Society).