Skin cancer--early detection

Skin cancer, the most frequently occurring of all cancers, shows an encouragingly high rate of cure if detected early and treated properly. Etiologies of nonpigmented and pigmented premalignant lesions and malignant lesions are discussed, where known, with solar exposure frequently cited. Criteria for diagnosis are discussed; however, the clinical similarity of some malignant lesions to premalignant or nonmalignant conditions makes excision necessary in order to establish a definitive diagnosis--when in doubt, take it out. Treatment ranges from close observation of certain nevi to complete lesional destruction at the initial treatment. Prevention is also stressed, with "suntan parlors" coming under some indictment. Overall, the paper emphasizes early detection and points out that even some melanomas undergo a biologic period when metastasis is unlikely and the melanoma is curable if detected and adequately treated during this period.