1. Skin Cancer Signs Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Skin Cancer Quiz
3. Sun-Damaged Skin Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Alan Rockoff, MD

Alan Rockoff, MD

Dr. Rockoff received his undergraduate degree from Yeshiva College with the distinction of Summa Cum Laude. He received his medical degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. His internship and two years of Pediatric residency were at the Bronx Municipal Hospital Center, followed by training in Dermatology at the combined residency program at Tufts and Boston Universities. Dr. Rockoff is certified by both the American Board of Dermatology and the American Board of Pediatrics.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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In this Article

• Skin cancer facts
• Introduction
• Basal cell carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• What about follow-up care for skin cancer?
• How about vitamin D and cancer?
• What resources are available to patients with skin cancer?
• Pictures of Skin Cancer Signs - Slideshow
• Take the Skin Cancer Quiz
• Pictures of Sun-Damaged Skin - Slideshow
• Skin Cancer (Melanoma) FAQs
• Patient Comments: Skin Cancer - Treatments
• Patient Comments: Skin Cancer - Describe Your Experience
• Find a local Dermatologist in your town
• Skin Cancer Index

Skin cancer has a better prognosis, or outcome, than most other types of cancer. It is generally curable. Even though most skin cancers are cured, people who have been treated for skin cancer have a higher-than-average risk of developing a new cancer of the skin. This is the reason why it is so important for patients to continue to examine themselves regularly, visit their doctor for regular checkups, and follow their doctor's instructions on how to reduce their risk of developing skin cancer again.

Some recent reports suggest that getting vitamin D from sun exposure may prevent the occurrence and spread of cancers, both of internal organs and of the skin. In spite of the occasional controversy surrounding these studies, their common-sense implications are simple enough. Even those doctors who recommend sun for vitamin D only suggest 15 minutes a few times a week. For most people, especially those who have day jobs or live in cooler climates, following this advice is not likely to result in markedly higher risk of skin cancer. No responsible authority suggests that to help with vitamin D, people ought to sunbathe or visit tanning salons.

Skin Cancer Foundation
245 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2402
New York, NY 10016
212-725-5176

This nonprofit organization provides publications and audiovisual materials on the prevention, early detection, and treatment of skin cancer. The foundation also publishes Sun and Skin News and The Skin Cancer Foundation Journal, which have nontechnical articles on skin cancer. Send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the above address to receive free printed information.

American Academy of Dermatology
PO Box 4014
Schaumburg, IL 60168-4014
708-330-0230

The American Academy of Dermatology is an organization of doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating skin problems. It provides free booklets on skin cancer and can refer people to dermatologists in their local area.

American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
444 East Algonquin Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
1-800-635-0635

This society sends free information about various surgical procedures. It can also provide the names of board-certified plastic surgeons in a patient's area.