FAQ

Yes. Melanoma is a rare but very aggressive form of skin cancer. Melanoma accounts for about 2 percent of all skin cancers, but it is responsible for most skin cancer deaths. The disease develops in the melanocytes, or the cells that lie just below the skin surface and give skin its color. Like most skin cancers, exposure to UV radiation is a major cause of melanoma. But unlike most skin cancers, melanoma may develop on parts of the body not normally exposed to the sun, such as the groin, armpits or bottoms of the feet. Melanoma also is more prone to travel (metastasize) than most skin cancers. Melanoma cells most often travel to the lungs, liver, bone and brains. Surgeries required to remove melanoma from the skin are typically more invasive and involve wider and deeper incisions than procedures to remove other skin cancers, such as basal cell or squamous carcinomas. Removing nearby lymph nodes may also be necessary to determine whether the cancer has spread.

Basal cell carcinomas: This is the most common form of skin cancer, accounting for nearly 80 percent of all cases, according to the American Cancer Society. These cancers occur in the cells just below the skin’s surface.

Squamous cell carcinomas: This form of skin cancer accounts for about 20 percent of all cases. Squamous cells are also found in the throat, the lining of the digestive system and respiratory tract and major organs like the liver and kidneys.

Merkel cell carcinomas: Though very rare, this cancer is an aggressive form of skin cancer. Merkel cells, sometimes called touch cells because they give the skin its ability to sense touch, are found below the epidermis, nestled next to nerve endings.

Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS): This type of skin cancer may appear as purplish blotches or lesions on the skin (usually on the face or legs), but it may also form inside the mouth or in lymph nodes. In rare cases, lesions may develop in the lungs, causing breathing problems.

Lymphoma of the skin: Lymphoma, which is cancer of the lymphatic system, may form in a variety of locations in the body, including the spleen, lymph nodes, thymus and skin. This cancer may appear as red or purple patches, moles or pimples on the skin that may itch or ulcerate. Other symptoms may include fatigue and weight loss.

Skin cancer usually begins as a simple, painless spot, sore or rash on the skin. If that sore or rash doesn’t heal, or if the spot changes color or becomes irregular in shape, it may be skin cancer. Basal cell carcinomas on the head or neck may appear as a pale patch of skin or a waxy bump. On the chest, it may look more like a brownish scar or flesh-colored lesion. These spots may bleed or ooze and become crusty in some areas. Squamous cell carcinomas may also develop as a lump on the skin. But, unlike the smooth and pearly appearance of a basal cell carcinoma, these lumps may be rough on the surface. The cancer may also form a reddish, scaly patch. Merkel cell carcinoma may appear as a fast-growing, dome-shaped lump on the skin. These bumps are usually painless and may be red or purple. Melanoma may appear as a dark spot on the skin. It may change shape and color and bleed as it develops. It may be difficult to tell if a growth on the skin is a mole, a benign growth or skin cancer. That’s why experts recommend that suspicious or fast-growing spots be checked by a doctor.

Treatments for skin cancer vary widely depending on the cells affected and the stage of the disease. Most basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas may be treated in an outpatient procedure by a dermatologist. The affected area may be removed with a local excision or by cryotherapy, which uses a very cold a substance such as liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the cancer cells. More advanced basal cell or squamous cell cancers may require more extensive surgeries and treatments. Surgery to treat melanoma and Merkel cell carcinomas may require a wide excision and the removal of lymph nodes. Chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy and immunotherapy are all treatment options for melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma.

Depending on the location and extent of the surgery required to remove the cancer, reconstructive or plastic surgery may be an option to repair damaged tissue.Surgical procedures for skin cancer may be painful. Surgery to remove lymph nodes may result in swelling, caused by the buildup of lymphatic fluid, a condition known as lymphedema. Chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy drugs may cause a variety of side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, fatigue, nerve damage, mouth sores and rashes. Patients who undergo radiation therapy may experience skin irritation.

The incidence of skin cancer has been increasing quickly for the past few years. One in two men and one in three women will develop nonmelanoma skin cancer in their lifetime. Once a patient has a nonmelanoma skin cancer, there is a much higher risk of developing more skin cancers.

The risks factors for developing nonmelanoma skin cancer include:

• Exposure to arsenic
• Fair skin
• Heavy UV exposure
• History of radiation therapy
• Immunosuppression
• Indoor tanning bed use
• Multiple blistering sunburns
• Northern European ancestry
• Prior skin cancer diagnosis
• Some forms of the HPV virus

Individuals at higher risk of melanoma include those with:

• red or blonde hair
• blue or green eyes
• many atypical moles
• a first-degree relative with a history of melanoma
• a previous diagnosis of melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancer(s)