Treating skin cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Melanoma
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. About one million people develop skin cancer each year. If you’re diagnosed with skin cancer, Fairview offers you the comprehensive screening, diagnosis and treatment you need. In addition, Fairview offers Mohs surgery—a highly specialized treatment for aggressive skin cancers.
Skin cancers are named for the type of cells that become cancerous.
- The two most common types of skin cancer are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer, which usually form on the head, face, neck, hands and arms.
- The third type of skin cancer—and the most serious form—is melanoma, which can occur on any skin surface.
How is skin cancer treated?
Finding and treating melanoma skin cancer early is important and may help reduce the risk of death from the disease. There are three basic types of cancer treatments, with many different variations within each.
- Surgery
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
If you're diagnosed with skin cancer, the type of treatment your doctor prescribes will depend on the following factors:
- Type of cancer
- Size and location
- Stage of development
- Your overall health
When should you call your doctor?
Not all changes in the skin are a sign of cancer, but you should consult with your doctor if you see any of the following changes in your skin:
- A sore that doesn't heal
- A rough, red, pink or brown, raised, scaly patch on the skin
- A small, raised, smooth, shiny and waxy patch of skin
- Skin that's scaly, bleeding or crusty
- Skin that looks similar to a scar and is firm
- Cracking or peeling of the lower lip that doesn't improve with lip balm
For more information
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call 612-672-7272.
Skin cancer care team
Dermatology
Hematology/Oncology
Oncology
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Radiation Oncology
Surgery
Learn more about services offered at these locations:
- Cancer Services at Fairview Lakes Medical Center
- Cancer Services at Fairview Maple Grove Medical Center
- Cancer Services at Fairview Northland Medical Center
- Cancer Services at Fairview Ridges Hospital
- Cancer Services at Fairview Southdale Hospital
- Cancer Services at University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital
- Cancer Services at University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview
Locations by city:
Burnsville
Edina
Maple Grove
Minneapolis
Princeton
