Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells. Common areas where cancer develops are the upper parts of the body such as the face but it can also appear on the lower parts of the body. Skin cancer can also occur underneath toenails or fingernails, and the genital areas.
Types of skin cancer
The types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Skin cancers may spread to other parts of the body. Basal cell carcinomas often have a waxy look and as flesh-colored or brown like lesions. Squamous cell carcinoma is located on the upper layer of the skin and has a flat and scaly appearance. Melanoma looks like a large brown spot with darker speckles, or a mole that changes in color, size, or feel, or a sort that bleeds.
Skin cancer treatments
For basal cell cancer, treatments may include prescription ointments or surgery to remove cancer; for melanoma, treatment may consist of surgery, radiation, medications, or in some cases, chemotherapy. For squamous cell carcinoma, treatment may involve surgery and sometimes it may require chemotherapy and radiation.
What causes skin cancer?
There are risk factors that may increase the odds of you developing skin cancer. The most significant factor that causes cancer is exposure to UV light, especially from the sun. Other risk factors are moles, precancerous lesions, tanning beds, a weak immune system, and a family history of skin cancer.
How to protect yourself from skin cancer?
Keep in mind; most skin cancers can be prevented, such as avoiding the sun, seeking shade when out, wearing sunglasses, and using water-resistant sunscreen of at least 30 SPF. Other ways to prevent cancer are wearing protective clothing such as a hat with a broad brim and long sleeve shirts. Of course, tanning beds should be avoided. It is also advisable to check your skin regularly for new growths or changes in moles you currently have and talk to your doctor about changes that are bothering you.
What are the warning signs of skin cancer?
Signs that you may have skin cancer are changes in the shape, size, or color of a mole, the appearance of new growth, or a sore that does not heal. Other signs are bleeding or scabbing, a non-healing sore, or a flat lesion with a scaly surface.
Tips for choosing the best dermatologist
Several tips will help you choose the right dermatologist, such as getting referrals, researching the doctor’s credentials, considering the dermatologist’s experience, giving thought to gender, asking about telehealth capabilities, giving thought to the communication style of the dermatologist, reading patient reviews and knowing what your insurance covers.
To conclude, talk to a dermatologist soon and find out about skin cancer and the various skin cancer treatments – we recommend drjsoffice.com. The benefits of doing so are peace of mind and avoiding skin cancer. Scheduling a yearly appointment with a skin specialist is a great preventative measure that will help you avoid skin cancer. Talking to your dermatologist is a great preventative measure.
