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• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): This cancer grows in the squamous
cells in the upper layer of the skin. This type can be found anywhere
including the inside of the mouth and the genital area. Get early treatment
to prevent the spread of this cancer. Look for a crusty or scaly patch of
skin often with a red base.
• Melanoma: This type begins in the skin cells that give skin its color.
Melanoma can spread quickly to other tissues and organs. The cure rate
is high with early treatment. Look for changes in moles or new moles
where:
─ One half of the mole does not match the other half.
─ The edges of the mole are uneven or ragged.
─ The color is uneven with more than one shade or color present.
─ The size is larger than a pencil eraser or there is any change in size.
─ There are changes in the way it feels. It may itch, feel dry, lumpy,
swollen or tender.
Your Care
Treatment involves removing the tissue suspected of being skin cancer from
the skin. This is done in the doctor’s office or in the hospital. The tissue is
sent to a lab to check for cancer cells. This is called a biopsy. Often, no
further treatment is needed. Skin cancer may also be treated with radiation
therapy and chemotherapy.

Talk to your doctor or nurse if you have any questions or concerns.















11/2005. Developed through a partnership of The Ohio State University Medical Center, Mount Carmel
Health and OhioHealth, Columbus, Ohio. Available for use as a public service without copyright
restrictions at www.healthinfotranslations.com.

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