This week's artwork was donated by Vansom, a pediatric cancer patient who received treatment at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia . One million Americans will learn they have skin cancer this year. There are several types of skin cancers, the most common being basal cell and squamous cell cancer. These are known as non-melanoma skin cancers. Melanoma is much more serious than basal cell or squamous cell cancer because it can spread quickly throughout the body.
Skin cancer can look many different ways.
The most common sign of skin cancer is a change on the skin, such as a growth that will not heal. Sometimes there may be a small lump. This lump can be smooth and shiny looking, or it can be red or reddish brown. Not all changes in the skin are cancer, but a doctor should be consulted if changes in the skin are noticed. Treatment of skin cancer usually involves surgery .