Skin cancers (non-melanoma) Archives | Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

What is an Atypical Mole?

Atypical moles are irregular moles that can appear anywhere on the body. They are more commonly found on people with fair skin, as well as those with many freckles and moles on the body (more than 50). What do atypical moles look like? In order to spot atypical moles or something more serious, dermatologists recommend … Read more

When Should I Worry About a Lump Under the Skin?

Finding a lump under your skin can be a worrying discovery — but lumps under the skin are more often relatively harmless than cancerous. To help you better understand when to be concerned about a lump under the skin, we talked to Vinod Nambudiri, MD, of Dana-Farber’s Center for Cutaneous Oncology. What are some of … Read more

How to Detect Skin Cancer, Even During COVID-19

It is important to protect yourself from the sun’s UV rays to lessen your risk of skin cancer and melanoma. It is also crucial to regularly check your skin for anything out of the ordinary and to alert your doctors to any changes, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. How do I know if I should … Read more

What’s the Difference Between Melanoma and Skin Cancer/Carcinoma?

Melanoma is not a different disease from skin cancer. It is, rather, a form of skin cancer. Of the three major forms of skin cancer, melanoma is the rarest but also the most aggressive. It is diagnosed in more than 96,000 people in the United States each year, and patients generally have a good prognosis … Read more

What’s the Difference Between UVA and UVB Rays?

Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Buchbinder, MD While the warmth of sunlight can be inviting after cold winter months, it is important to remember healthy habits to keep your skin safe in the sun. Prolonged and frequent sun exposure without the proper protection can result in an uncomfortable sunburn at best and significant skin damage at … Read more

How to Safely Get Enough Vitamin D

Dermatologists do not recommend unprotected sun exposure as way to increase your vitamin D levels. “It is better to protect yourself from the sun and take a vitamin D supplement if you have a deficiency,” says Cecilia Larocca, MD, of Dana-Farber.

Melanoma Prevention: Does Staying in the Shade Prevent Sunburn?

Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight, along with sunburns, can increase the risk of skin cancer and melanoma.

Skin Tags: What You Should Know

Medically reviewed by Nicole R. LeBoeuf, MD, MPH A skin tag is a narrow stalk of hanging skin that bulges at the end. Skin tags are usually flesh-colored and can develop anywhere on the body, but are most often found in areas where the skin rubs together, such as the neck and armpit. Skin cancer … Read more

Skin Cysts and Cancerous Growths: What is the Difference?

Medically reviewed by Cecilia Larocca, MD New bumps or lumps on the skin can be concerning, especially if you aren’t sure whether it is a cancerous growth or a benign cyst. While it is often possible to distinguish between the two by touch and appearance, in some cases additional tests may be needed to determine … Read more

New Tanning Drug Could Protect Skin From the Sun

Scientists may have figured out a way to let people tan safely – without involving the sun. In an effort to further develop preventative measures for skin cancers like melanoma, researchers from Dana-Farber and other health care organizations have developed a potential topical cream that stimulates skin cells to produce the dark pigment, melanin. Melanin … Read more

Find Skin Cancer Early: Know Your ABCDEs [Infographic]

With an estimated 8,500 new cases of skin cancer diagnosed in the U.S. every day, it is important that you not only protect yourself from the sun’s UV rays, but also regularly check your skin for anything out of the ordinary. While freckles and moles are often harmless, it is important to perform regular self-exams … Read more

Does Elevation Increase Risk for Skin Cancer?

One of the most common questions asked about skin cancer risk, particularly by those who ski or hike, is whether altitude can increase the chance of developing skin cancer, specifically melanoma. We spoke with Jennifer Lin, MD, a dermatologist in Dana-Farber’s Melanoma Treatment Center, to learn more. Elevation does affect the risk of skin cancer … Read more

Screening Tips for Finding Skin Cancer Early

As we peel off winter clothing and head for the beach, it’s a perfect time to learn about the benefits of screening exams for melanoma and other skin cancers. Preventing these cancers with sun safety awareness is important – but so is detecting skin lesions in their earliest, most treatable stage. Melanoma, the deadliest form … Read more

What’s New in Skin Cancer Research?

Although malignant melanoma has been attracting much of the media spotlight because of promising new immunotherapy drugs, advances are also being made in other types of skin cancer. Nonmelanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are very common, with more than 3.5 million cases diagnosed annually. In fact, it’s estimated … Read more

Five Ways to Reduce Skin Cancer Risk this Winter

Whether you’re escaping the chill with a tropical vacation or skiing the slopes, sun safety is still important in the winter months. Because UV rays can be harmful even in frosty temperatures, protecting your skin is a year-round responsibility. Allison Goddard, MD, of Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center for Skin (Cutaneous) Oncology, shares some wintertime … Read more

What is Merkel Cell Carcinoma?

Merkel cells are found just below your skin’s surface, on the lowest level of your top layer of skin (the epidermis). Connected to nerve endings associated with the sensation of touch, Merkel cells play a key role in helping us identify fine details and textures by touch. What is Merkel cell carcinoma? A rare and … Read more

Teens and young adults overlook skin cancer risk

The call of the beach is hard to ignore on sunny summer days. Yet many teens and young adults do not follow protection tips when they hit the sand. They remain the most difficult age group to convince that ultraviolet (UV) rays, which come from the sun and indoor tanning venues, can cause cancer.