The skin is the largest organ in the body and is exposed to the outside world. As a result, causes of skin cancer can include environmental factors, such as sun exposure, or genetic predispositions or both. Skin cancer typically develops in areas that are commonly exposed to sunlight but may occur on any area of the body depending on the type of malignancy.
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is a disease that develops when abnormal skin cells grow uncontrollably, most often as a result of damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. It typically begins in the outer layer of the skin and can affect anyone, particularly those with frequent or prolonged sun exposure. When detected early, skin cancer is highly treatable, making prompt diagnosis and intervention critical to achieving the best possible outcomes.
What are the Types of Skin Cancer?
The most common types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 3.3 million Americans are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancers each year. The statistic does not account for melanoma cases, which occur less frequently but are considerably more dangerous.
How is Skin Cancer Treated?
Because skin cancer can be an ever-evolving type of malignancy, it is not uncommon for patients to require multiple biopsies and surgeries over the years. Skin cancer can be treated with chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Our experienced physicians stay abreast of and use skin cancer treatment advances in technology, topical and oral medications and other modalities to target each patient’s specific type of skin cancer.
Skin Cancer Prevention & Screening
Florida is called the Sunshine State for a reason, and its residents enjoy being outdoors as much as possible. Unfortunately, without proper protection from the sun, the risk for developing skin cancers increases, even in children. As a result, TGH’s skin cancer experts place a strong emphasis on educating the community about skin cancer prevention and local screening opportunities.
Find a Skin Cancer Specialist
At Tampa General Hospital’s Skin Cancer Center, our experts diagnose and treat skin cancer—even incredibly complex cases—with compassion and skill. Tampa General Hospital is ranked among the top 10% of hospitals in the nation for Cancer Care by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-26.
