Skin Cancer

The three most common types of skin cancer are Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Malignant Melanoma.
Basal Cell Carcinomas (BCC) are the most common and most treatable. They can present as a non-healing shiny bump which may bleed and scab. These lesions are usually biopsied for an accurate diagnosis. They are treated definitively with surgical excision, electrodesiccation and curettage, or Mohs surgery.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common skin cancer. It may appear as a red scaly plaque or wart-like bump. It too may bleed and not heal. SCCs are usually curable, however, some lesions may metastasize to other organs.
Treatment options include surgical excision, electrodesiccation and curettage, or Mohs surgery. Sometimes radiation therapy may be necessary.
Malignant Melanoma is a more dangerous type of skin cancer. These lesions can appear as irregular brown or black moles which change in size and color. If left untreated, this cancer can invade other organs and lead to death.

ABCDEs of melanoma detection:
A= asymmetry
B= border irregularity
C= color variation
D= diameter (>6 mm)
E= evolution