Skin cancer

Skin cancer Each year more than 600,000 people learn that they have some form of skin cancer. (National Cancer Institute , 1993) Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States.(NCI, 1993) It is estimated that 40 to 50 percent of Americans that live to the age of 65 will have skin cancer at least once.(NCI, 1993) One-third of all new diagnosed cancers are skin cancer. (Siegel, 1990, p.77) Skin cancer is now almost 100 percent curable if detected …

…special type of surgery used for large tumors and hard to reach places.(NCI, 1993) In Mohs' surgery, the cancer is shaved off one thin layer at a time and examined under a microscope until the entire tumor is removed. (NCI, 1993) Other techniques include cryosurgery (freezing of the cancer), laser therapy, radiation and topical chemotherapy. When your doctor tells you that you have skin cancer, it might be a good idea to seek a second opinion.