Treatment of malignant cutaneous tumors.

Malignant cutaneous tumors, consisting primarily of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, are exceedingly common. Diagnosis is made by visual examination of the skin surface and biopsy of any suspicious lesions. Treatment for most tumors is surgical (excision), although some basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas may be cured by field destructive techniques (cryosurgery, electrodesiccation and curettage, radiotherapy, and laser surgery). Chemotherapy and immunotherapy may be helpful in the control of advanced, multiple, and metastatic cancers. To decrease morbidity and mortality from malignant cutaneous tumors, effort should be directed toward identification of early lesions as well as prevention.