Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US

  • Department of:
  • Adena Regional Medical Center

To learn more about the Adena Cancer Center, skin cancer or to request an appointment, please call 740-542-3030.

Skin Cancer Infograph

More than 3.5 million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every year, making it the most common form of cancer in the US. Skin cancer occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells. While most commonly caused by exposure to the sun, other factors, like contact with toxic substances, can be at play.

There are three major types of skin cancer, each with unique symptoms.

  • Basal cell carcinoma – The most common type of cancer, basal cell carcinoma occurs on areas exposed to the sun or ultraviolet lights (such as tanning booths) and is characterized by a bump or growth that is waxy, white, pinkish, flesh-colored, or brown.
  • Squamous cell carcinoma – Typically found on areas of the body exposed to the sun or ultraviolet rays, squamous cell carcinoma is often characterized by a scaly, reddish bump or patch or a sore that fails to heal.
  • Melanoma – Occurring anywhere on the body, even in areas not exposed to the sun, melanoma is most commonly recognized by a mole that changes color, size, feel or bleeds; a small lesion with abnormal borders; or dark brown spots or dark lesions. Melanoma is the least common type of skin cancer, but it is the deadliest.

Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are nonmelanoma skin cancers, meaning that they rarely spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma skin cancer, which accounts for roughly 70,000 new cases of skin cancer in the US every year, can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. 

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