What are the types of skin cancer?
The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma can initially appear as little irritations or pimples. However, they become larger, don’t go away, may scab and bleed. Melanoma usually will appear as an irregularly shaped, dark brown (there may also be red) spot at least the size of the tip of a pencil eraser.

How common is skin cancer?
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common of the three skin cancers. It occurs in approximately one in five people. Squamous cell carcinoma is less common. There are over 1 million new cases per year of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma in the United States with squamous cell representing about 10 percent of those patients. Melanoma which has increased more than any other cancer over the past 40 years currently affects approximately one in seventy-five people.

Where are they found on the body?
Basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas are found on sun exposed areas such as the face or the forearms. The most common area on the face is on the nose. However, they may occur on other parts of the body. For melanoma, the most common site in men is on the trunk—the chest and back. For women, it is the back of the legs.

Which skin cancers can spread to other parts of the body?
Melanoma, if not caught early, can spread to other parts of the body such as the brain or liver, and can be deadly. Squamous cell cancer of the skin can spread to other parts of the body, though it is less of a risk than melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads to other parts of the body.

What are the risk factors for skin cancer?
There are many. However, the main ones are sun exposure, skin complexion and genetics (some people may just be more susceptible.). For basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, it is believed that chronic sun exposure over decades plays a major role in causing it. For melanoma, it is currently thought that acute exposure to sun such as sun burns as a child, may increase the risk of melanoma.

If I have many moles, do I have an increased risk of melanoma?
If you and other family members have many irregularly shaped and large moles, you may be at an increased risk for melanoma. However, in many instances, melanoma may just arise.

How is skin cancer treated?
It depends on the skin cancer and location. Basal cells can be treated by freezing, scraping and burning, cutting them out, or by radiation. There are trials going on at Stanford’s Dermatology Department to determine if a cream can cure superficial basal cell carcinoma.

What is Mohs Micrographic Surgery?
Mohs Micrographic Surgery is a special way to remove selected skin cancers. It currently has the highest cure rate for basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. It is performed under local anesthesia. Because the dermatologic surgeon precisely maps the location of the tumor, the minimum amount of normal skin is removed. This is particularly important in cosmetic-sensitive areas such as the face. Mohs Micrographic Surgery is offered by the Stanford Advanced Skin Care Center and the Stanford Department of Dermatology.

If I have had a skin cancer, what are the chances that I will have another?
Statistically, you have a 50% higher risk over the next five years of having another skin cancer.

How can I prevent skin cancer?
The best way is to wear protective clothing such as broad brimmed hats when outside. Use sun block or sun screen on exposed areas.

Does the SPF matter?
Yes, it does. However, more important than the SPF is to determine whether the product has titanium dioxide (which physically blocks the sun)) or Parsol 1789 (which protects against both UVA & B sun rays.) It is also important to reapply the sun block or sunscreen, if you are outside for many hours.