Skin cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissue of the skin. It is the most common type of cancer, diagnosed in one in five people by age 70. 

 

Types of skin cancer

There are four main types of skin cancer:

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• Basal cell carcinoma

• Squamous cell carcinoma

• Melanoma

• Merkel cell carcinoma

 

Treatment for skin cancer

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If skin cancer is detected early, it can usually be treated with topical medications, procedures done in the office by a dermatologist, or an outpatient surgery. More advanced skin cancer may require surgery, radiation therapy, or treatment with drugs.