Skin Cancer: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Management 1ED (HB)

Skin cancer is of three main types, squamous-cell skin cancer, basal-cell skin cancer and melanoma. Basal-cell cancer grows slowly and damages the tissue around it but is not lethal. Squamous-cell skin cancer can spread to other body parts. It is characterized by a hard lump with a scaly top. Melanomas are the most aggressive cancers and may present themselves as a mole, which changes shape, size, color, are itchy or bleeds. The use of sunscreens and decreasing exposure to ultraviolet radiation are effective means of preventing squamous-cell skin cancer and melanoma.