Skin Cancer

Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common malignancy in humans. Although it can cause extensive disfigurement, this cancer does not typically spread to other parts of the body. Basal cell carcinomas usually present on sun-exposed areas of the body. When it is caught early and subsequently removed, this skin cancer has a high cure rate.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer. It typically presents in sun-exposed areas following extensive sun exposure. If left untreated, this skin cancer can cause serious complications by spreading to other parts of the body. An early warning sign is presence of multiple actinic keratoses which are precancerous sun-induced skin lesions.

Malignant Melanoma is a cancer that starts in the skin, but can spread to surrounding skin and subsequently other organs making it very dangerous. Fair-skinned individuals with blonde or red hair and multiple moles are especially at risk for developing this cancer. Thinner melanomas can be treated with local surgery, whereas more advanced lesions will require referral to Tom Baker Cancer Centre.