Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer is the most common form of all cancers, the most important step in treatment is identifying what
type of skin cancer a patient has in order to ensure the most effective treatment options are provided.
Sunlight and Ultraviolet light exposure such as sunburns, long exposure to sunlight and tanning booths have
been identified as direct contributors to the development of skin cancer but there may be other reasons the
cancer develops such as genetics, exposure to carcinogens or radiation. The most important thing to remember
with Skin Cancer is that the earlier it is detected the earlier it can be treated and potentially cured.
The various forms of Skin Cancer are:
- Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer
- Melanoma
- Merkel Cell Skin Cancer
- Lymphoma of the Skin
- Kaposi Sarcoma
Melanoma
One of the deadliest forms of skin cancer is Melanoma, The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute specializes
in the diagnosis and treatment of Melanoma and is home to several physicians who are internationally
renowned experts in this area of oncology. In addition to our premier physicians and clinical team we
conduct some of the most significant clinical trials in the world furthering progress in the fight against
melanoma and other forms of cancer.
While Melanoma is less common than some of the other types it can spread quickly if not detected early.
Melanoma forms when cells inside your skin called melanocytes that produce color begin to grow abnormally
and uncontrolled. They may look like a mole or birthmark at first but is important to compare these spots if
you find them to other moles and birthmarks on your body. Use the “ABCDE rule” when checking your skin in
the mirror which is recommended by doctors to do at least once a month and at your regular check up with
your provider.
- Asymmetry: irregular borders of mole, birthmark does not match others
- Borders: look for blurs or shading, edges that are not even or jagged
- Color: Is the color of the mole the same? Is it darker in some sections? What colors do you see?
- Diameter: Melanomas can vary in size and shape, some can even be as small as a pencil eraser or head of
a pin.
- Evolving: Has the mole or spot changed over time? Have you noticed these changes recently? What is
changing? Consider the color, size and shape.
