Skin cancers and soft tissue tumors vary widely in how they develop, how they behave, and how they are treated. While some conditions grow slowly and are highly treatable when detected early, others require specialized evaluation and coordinated care. At Saint John’s Cancer Institute, our specialists help patients understand their diagnoses and explore treatment options based on their individual needs.
Explore the conditions we diagnose and treat, including melanoma, other common and rare skin cancers, and soft tissue sarcoma. Each page provides information about symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment. To learn more about our specialists, clinical programs, and approach to care, visit the Melanoma, Skin and Soft Tissue Tumors Center of Excellence.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer and often develops in areas exposed to ultraviolet radiation, including the face, scalp, neck, and hands. These cancers usually grow slowly and rarely spread to distant parts of the body, but they can damage surrounding tissues when left untreated.
Basal cell carcinoma may appear as a pearly or shiny bump, a persistent sore, or a patch of skin that changes in appearance. Early diagnosis often allows effective treatment, with approaches selected according to the tumor’s location, size, and other risk factors.
Learn more about basal cell carcinoma, including its appearance, diagnosis, treatment, and ways to reduce risk.
Melanoma
Melanoma develops in melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells of the skin. Although less common than basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, melanoma has a greater potential to spread, particularly when it grows into deeper tissues. Many melanomas are highly treatable when identified early.
A new or changing mole, an irregularly shaped pigmented lesion, or a spot that looks different from surrounding moles may warrant evaluation. Treatment depends on the melanoma’s thickness, stage, molecular characteristics, and other findings. Advances in surgery, immunotherapy, and targeted treatments have expanded options for selected patients.
Learn more about melanoma, including warning signs, staging, diagnosis, and current treatment approaches.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but potentially aggressive skin cancer that often appears as a firm, painless bump or nodule. It may develop rapidly and can spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Merkel cell carcinoma is associated with Merkel cell polyomavirus or ultraviolet-related damage, and risk increases with age and reduced immune function.
Diagnosis requires a biopsy, followed by appropriate evaluation to determine the extent of disease. Depending on the findings, treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of approaches. Because MCC is uncommon and can behave aggressively, coordinated specialist evaluation is particularly valuable.
Learn more about Merkel cell carcinoma, including its symptoms, risk factors, staging, and treatment options.
Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Soft tissue sarcomas are a diverse group of rare cancers that develop in tissues such as muscle, fat, nerves, blood vessels, and connective structures. There are many distinct subtypes, and their behavior and treatment can vary substantially depending on the tumor’s location, grade, stage, and molecular characteristics.
Some sarcomas appear as enlarging lumps or cause pain and pressure on surrounding tissues, while others develop deep within the body without noticeable early symptoms. Diagnosis commonly requires imaging, a carefully planned biopsy, and specialized pathology review. Treatment often centers on surgery, with radiation or systemic therapies recommended for selected patients.
Learn more about soft tissue sarcoma, including its subtypes, warning signs, diagnosis, staging, and treatment.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer and frequently develops after years of ultraviolet exposure. It may appear as a persistent scaly patch, a thickened growth, or a sore that does not heal. Although most cases are successfully treated when identified early, some tumors can invade deeper tissues or spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Treatment depends on the tumor’s size, depth, location, and risk of recurrence or spread. Surgical excision and Mohs surgery are common approaches, while radiation therapy or systemic immunotherapy may be appropriate in selected situations, particularly for more advanced disease.
Learn more about squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, including symptoms, risk assessment, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Understanding Your Treatment Options
A diagnosis is often the beginning of a series of decisions about evaluation, treatment, and follow-up. Depending on the condition and its clinical findings, care may involve surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted treatments, or a combination of approaches. These decisions are individualized, and not every treatment is appropriate for every type of skin cancer or soft tissue tumor.
To learn more about available approaches and what may happen after diagnosis, visit our Melanoma and Skin Cancer Treatment Overview.
If you have questions regarding melanoma or other skins cancers, please call today or click here to schedule an appointment for an expert second opinion or click here to schedule an appointment.
