NONMELANOMA SKIN-CANCER - RISKS, TREATMENT OPTIONS, AND TIPS ON PREVENTION

The incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer is rapidly increasing. With e arly diagnosis and treatment, almost all basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas can be cured. Premalignant actinic keratoses are treated wi th cryosurgery; the CO2 laser is the treatment of choice for actinic c heilitis. Generally, nonmelanoma skin cancer can be effectively treate d with excision, electrodesiccation and curettage, cryosurgery, or rad iation therapy; 5-year cure rates are over 90%. Large, locally recurre nt, and aggressive lesions, as well as lesions located in the central face, are best managed with Mobs' surgery; 5-year cure rates as high a s 99% have been reported. Patient education about the dangers of sun e xposure and tanning salons can potentially reduce the incidence of non melanoma skin cancer. The use of sunscreens starting early in life sho uld be stressed.