Common Skin Cancers in Older Adults Approach to Diagnosis and Management

Melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers are a growing concern among elderly individuals. Prompt diagnosis and management are keys in minimizing disease morbidity and mortality. Patients with a history of disease should be followed regularly by a dermatologist to monitor for recurrence and/or development of new lesions. In advanced disease, a multidisciplinary approach with primary care physicians, dermatologists, surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists assures optimal management. Current therapies for advanced disease are promising, but prevention of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers remains of paramount importance.