Skin cancer occurs when cells in the skin, which start off normal, transform into cells that have potential to reproduce in a quick manner. The vast majority of skin cancers do not have the potential to spread to other parts of the body or become life threatening, but it is important to find and treat them early so they don’t have the chance to grow larger. The two most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Both are predominately found on the head and neck since those parts of the body tend to get the most exposure to the sun.
Melanomas are less common, but more dangerous types of skin cancer. Melanomas can occur anywhere on the body, but are most likely to be found on the chest, back and legs. The neck and face are other common locations for melanoma to occur. Melanoma is almost always curable in its early stages, but left alone it is much more likely to spread to other parts of the body and become more difficult to treat, and less likely to cure.