Skin Disorders

What are Moles Moles are small, usually dark skin growths composed of a group of cells called melanocytes. These cells make the pigment melanin. Moles are very common. The average adult has about 40 to 60 moles and other skin growths. Moles often are black, brown, or tan. They usually are no bigger than a

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on skin cancer. American Cancer Society (ACS)  Phone: (800) 227-2345 (toll-free hotline)  www.cancer.org National Cancer Institute (NCI), Cancer Information Service  Phone: (800) 4-CANCER Phone: (800) 422-6237 www.nci.nih.gov American Academy of Dermatology  Phone: (888) 462-3376 (toll-free)  Phone: (847) 330-0230 http://www.aad.org National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship  Phone:

Here are definitions of medical terms related to skin cancer. Actinic keratosis: a precancerous skin growth that occurs on sun-damaged skin often looks like a red scaly patch and feels like “sandpaper”. Basal cell carcinoma: the most common form of skin cancer that involves cells in the lower part, or base, of the epidermis, the outer layer

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. An individual’s lifetime exposure to sunlight and skin type largely determines their risk for skin cancer. It is important to regularly monitor your skin for early symptoms of

People with severe forms of skin cancer sometimes can choose between standard therapy and experimental therapy. Standard therapy is the traditional treatment used by most doctors. Most standard treatments have been in use for years. Standard therapy, however, may not work for all patients. It may not cure the disease, or it may cause too

There are a number of different types of skin cancers depending on the type of skin cell from which they arise. Each kind of skin cancer has its own distinctive appearance. Certain skin cancers also tend to develop in specific areas of the body. Basal cell carcinoma Squamous cell carcinoma A third type, malignant melanoma, is relatively

Anyone can get skin cancer. Although most cases occur in people over age 50 with fair skin, it can develop in younger people, and those with dark skin. In general, an individual’s lifetime exposure to UV light determines his risk. Certain individuals have a risk that is higher than the rest of the population. Included