Diagnosis and management of skin cancer

The diagnosis and management of cutaneous cancers, the most common of all malignancies, is well within the province of all physicians. These tumors are highly visible, usually slow growing, have distinctive physical characteristics, and are easily biopsied. Approximately 500,000 cases of basal and squamous cell carcinoma and over 14,000 cases of melanoma are anticipated in the United States this year. Cure rates for the nonmelanoma forms of skin cancer exceed 95%, and the five-year survival rate for clinical Stage I melanoma now exceeds 80%. Visual inspection, a high index of suspicion, and judicious biopsy are all that is necessary for diagnosis. The accurate and timely diagnosis of cancers of the skin should be a rewarding experience for both patient and physician.