Skin Cancer

defined as a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form tissues of the skin

Facts about skin

• the largest organ in the body
• functions include protection and storage
• There are three main layers to skin: epidermis, hypodermis, and the dermis

risk factors

• UV radiation
• Smoking
• Being overweight
• tanning beds
• Fair complexion
• Weakened immune system
• Being exposed to arsenic
• Family history
• History of many blistering sunburns

Prevention

• Use sunscreen
• Avoid sun exposure
• Check for moles (ABCD)
• Chemo preventive agents
• Clinical trials

most common types

• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Basal cell carcinoma
• Nonmelanoma skin cancer (rare)
• Melanoma

Percentages

Survival rates vary greatly due to the time and what stage the cancer was caught in

Treatment

• Mohs Micrographic Surgery
• Excisional Surgery
• Cryosurgery
• Radiation

Watch for ABCD's of moles