Healthcare: Cancer Care

Skin Cancers

Master
Heading

What You Need to Know

Content

According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, most of which are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. However, you can protect yourself from skin cancer by:

  • Wearing sunscreen – SPF 30 or higher is recommended
  • Wearing protective clothes such as a shirt, hat or sunglasses
  • Seeking shade when possible
Heading

Types of Skin Cancer

Content
  • Melanoma
  • Non-melanoma skin cancers
  • Squamous cell
  • Basal cell
  • Merkel cell
  • Kaposi's sarcoma
     
Heading

Risk Factors

Content

Limiting your exposure to UV rays is the most important way to reduce your risk of melanoma.

Risk factors that can increase your risk of melanoma include:

  • Moles
  • Fair skin and freckling
  • Family history
  • A weakened immune system
  • Age
  • Gender
  • Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP)
Heading

Symptoms

Content

An unusual mole, sore, lump, or changes in the way an area of the skin looks may be a sign of melanoma.

Heading

Screening and Diagnosis

Content

If cancer is suspected, a skin biopsy will be performed. Once a pathologist looks at the biopsy results, a team of physicians will discuss treatment options with the patient and make individual recommendations.

Heading

Treatment

Content

Our multidisciplinary team of surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists consult and collaborate to ensure treatment is optimized to meet the patient’s needs. Treatments can include surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

Content

Depending on the location, type, and stage of your skin cancer, there are many treatment options:

Medical therapy includes:

  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors
  • Targeted therapies
  • Chemotherapy
Heading

Clinical Trials

Content

Baylor College of Medicine conducts clinical trials that give participants access to the latest, most comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options available. See clinical trials for esophageal cancer.