An actinic keratosis (AK), also known as a solar keratosis, is a red, scaly bump that arises on the skin surface. An AK is most likely to appear on the face, ears, scalp, neck, backs of the hands and forearms, shoulders, and lips - the parts of the body most often exposed to sunshine. AK can be the first step in the development of skin cancer. If treated early, almost all AKs can be eliminated without becoming skin cancers. But untreated, some of these lesions may progress to squamous cell carcinomas.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, affecting 800,000 Americans each year. In fact, it is the most common of all cancers. One out of every three new cancers is a skin cancer, and the vast majorities are BCCs. These cancers arise in the basal cells, which are at the bottom of the epidermis (outer skin layer).

Chronic exposure to sunlight is the cause of almost all basal cell carcinomas, which occur most frequently on exposed parts of the body -- the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders, and back. Rarely, however, tumors develop on non-exposed areas. BCCs appear as non-healing red or flesh-colored bumps that bleed or do not heal for several weeks.

The incidence of melanoma is on the rise, with 1 in 57 Americans developing one during their lifetime. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2007, there will be aproximately 60,000 new cases of melanomas and 8,000 deaths from these cancerous growths. However, if recognized and treated early, melanomas are almost 100% curable.

While everyone has a small risk for melanoma, your genetic make-up (fair skin), history of severe sunburns or indoor tanning, or poor immune system may increase your risk. We regularly educate our patients on performing self-exams between office visits using the ABCDEs of melanoma detection. Moles that are asymmetric, have a hazy, undefined border, are brown, black, or non-uniform color, are larger in diameter than a pencil eraser, or have evolved in appearance should be examined in our office.