Skin Cancer
Treating skin cancer
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. About one million people will develop skin cancer each year. For people with skin cancer, Fairview offers comprehensive screening, diagnosis and treatment as well as Mohs surgery—a highly specialized treatment for aggressive skin cancers—through our Masonic Cancer Clinic at University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview.
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. 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 cancer, the type of treatment your doctor prescribes will depend on the type of cancer, where it's located, its size, the cancer's stage of development and your overall health.
When to call your doctor
Not all changes in the skin are a sign of cancer, but you should consult your doctor if you see any changes in your skin. Some signs to look for:
- 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
DermatologyOncologyOtolaryngologyPlastic and Reconstructive SurgerySurgery | Surgical Oncology |
Clinic locations
- Edina - Southdale Cancer Clinic, University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview - Edina
- Maple Grove - Fairview Maple Grove Medical Center
- Minneapolis - University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview
- Princeton - Fairview Northland Medical Center
- Wyoming - Lakes Cancer Clinic, University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview - Wyoming
