According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin cancers are the most common cancer in the world. There is more than one type of skin cancer with the most common types being basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Since skin cancers come in all shapes, sizes and colors, it is important to see a dermatologist at the first sign of unusual changes in the skin. A skin cancer may present itself as a rash, a persistent sore, a scaly patch of skin, a lesion with a waxy texture, a growth beneath the skin or even a pimple that doesn’t seem to go away. It is also common for a skin cancer to have an appearance similar to a mole or to start within a mole. Skin cancers may occur anywhere on the body. However, they are more frequently seen in areas of the skin that have been damaged by the sun. Radiation exposure also increases the chance of this condition in the treated areas. Fortunately, there are many highly effective treatments for skin cancer, including surgical removal of the cancer, topical treatment, cryosurgery, electrodessication, photodynamic therapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy.