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Skin Cancer

Latest Clinical Briefs

About Skin Cancer

Nonmelanoma skin cancer primarily comprises basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Other, rarer types of nonmelanoma skin cancer include dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, Merkel cell carcinoma, and Kaposi's sarcoma. Rates of skin cancer have been described as epidemic, with the incidence of all skin cancers rising at 4% to 5% each year. The treatment for most skin cancers involves the complete surgical removal of the lesion, ensuring that the margins are free of tumor cells. Mohs micrographic surgery has the highest 5-year cure rates and is recommended for high-risk tumors. Other treatment options include curettage and electrodessication, excision and postoperative margin assessment, radiation therapy, and superficial therapies. Studies are currently examining the effectiveness of various nonmelanoma skin cancer treatment options, including targeted therapies, for recurrent and metastatic disease. Healthcare practitioners are challenged to remain up to date on the latest clinical data.