Melanoma/Skin Cancer Health Center

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Melanoma/Skin Cancer Overview

Skin cancers include melanoma, basal cell, and squamous cell. Basal and squamous cell are common and treatment is very effective; malignant melanoma, especially in later stages of melanoma, is serious and treatment is difficult. Sun exposure is the biggest cause of melanoma and other skin cancers, but early diagnosis and treatment can increase the survival rate from melanoma. Learn about the signs of all skin cancers, and familiarize yourself with pictures of skin cancer so you can spot it early.

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Odor Test Sniffs Out Skin Cancer
Dogs can smell skin cancer, and so might an "electronic nose." Monell Chemical Senses researchers say the device can sniff out skin cancer by its "odor profile."

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Joe Giffels, MAS, shares information and advice on what you should know before you volunteer to participate in a clinical trial.

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Early signs

The most important warning sign for melanoma is any change in size, shape, or color of a mole or other skin growth, such as a birthmark. Watch for changes that occur over a period of weeks to a month. Use the American Cancer Society's ABCD rule to evaluate skin changes, and call your health professional if you have any of the following changes.⁴