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Skin Cancer (Non-Melanoma)

Definition

There are 3 common types of skin cancer:

• basal cell carcinoma
• squamous cell carcinoma
• melanoma

Basal cell skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. It is a tumor, an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, on the skin. The skin appears to change in texture or color and a sore or nodule may develop on your skin. These skin changes usually can be seen with the naked eye, and 90% can be cured if treated early.

Getting Diagnosed / Treatment

Basal cell skin cancer is treated in the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center's Cutaneous Surgery and Oncology Clinic. More information about Skin Cancer Treatment in the Cutaneous Surgery & Oncology Unit is available on the Department of Dermatology's web site.

Continue Reading

The U-M Health System has more information about non-melanoma skin cancer as part of its Healthwise Knowledgebase. Learn more - this link takes you to the U-M Health System website.

Merkel Cell Carcinoma is a very rare form of skin cancer. Read more about it.

For more information on melanoma, see Melanoma (Skin) Cancer.

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