An update on nonmelanoma skin cancer.

Estimates from the American Cancer Society suggest that there are more than two million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer in the United States per year. The following review highlights the topics of actinic keratoses, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma. This update on the cutting-edge clinical and dermpathologic research will assist the dermatologist in approaching, diagnosing, and managing nonmelanoma skin carcinoma. Immunologic and genetic research into nonmelanoma skin carcinoma has paved the way for novel therapeutic options for patients who were previously without any viable treatment alternatives. While still in preliminary stages, agents, such as ingenol mebutate, vismodegib, and sirolumus, may become integral drugs in the armamentarium of managing cutaneous carcinoma.