Skin Cancer Can Be Very Serious. Get Screened Today!
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, with one in five Americans diagnosed every year. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, this rate is expected to increase by 25% during the next two decades.
Skin cancer results from abnormal cells on the skin dividing and growing uncontrollably. Your doctor can detect these abnormal skin cells during an annual exam or self-examination. Early detection of skin cancer increases the chance of successful treatment, so it’s important to take proper precautions to reduce your risk.
Types of Skin Cancer
There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
This is the most common form of skin cancer and usually appears on the sun-exposed parts of your body. Basal cell carcinoma usually develops in areas that have been subject to sun exposure, including your head, lip, neck, arms, hands, and lower legs. Unlike melanoma, basal cell carcinoma has a low potential to spread to other parts of your body. However, it can metastasize without showing any signs or symptoms for a long time.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This form of skin cancer usually occurs on the body’s surface, such as around a mole or a wart. It’s usually caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun, smoking, and long-term irritation from chemicals. Squamous cell carcinoma is more likely to develop in places where you apply much pressure to your skin, such as your feet and hands. Squamous cell carcinoma has the potential to spread throughout the body.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer. It occurs when the melanocytes in your skin begin to grow uncontrollably due to UV radiation from the sun. The cells then invade nearby tissues and organs, resulting in invasive melanoma. Melanoma can spread to other parts of the body through your lymphatic system and bloodstream, even if it’s only moderately advanced. Its high mortality rate makes early detection critical!
What Causes Skin Cancer?
Several factors contribute to the development of skin cancer. These include the following:
Age: As you age, your skin is at an increased risk of developing cancer.
Sun exposure: You’re at a higher risk of developing skin cancer if you spend time in the sun without protective clothing and sun screen. Excessive sun exposure combined with outdoor work or hobbies that expose your skin to sunlight can also increase your risk.
Genetics: Certain genes passed on from your parents may increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
Environment: Being exposed to air pollution, second-hand smoke, or asbestos can increase your risk of skin cancer.
Who is at Risk of Skin Cancer?
The risk of skin cancer increases with age and exposure to the sun, although these factors alone cannot cause skin cancer. Some people are born with an increased risk of skin cancer, including pale skin, a family history of melanoma, or spend a lot of time in the sun.
What Happens During A Skin Cancer Screening?
Skin cancer screening is the practice of screening your skin for signs of cancer. Doctors recommend that patients get screened every six to twelve months because skin cancer can develop over time, and most people are unaware of when it begins.
The most common method of skin cancer screening is a visual examination using a dermatoscope to magnify the surface of your skin.
Why Are Skin Cancer Screenings Necessary?
Skin cancer screenings are an important part of preventative medicine and can help to detect skin cancer before symptoms occur. Check your skin regularly and get regular screenings to spot potential skin cancers.
How to Screen for Skin Cancer?
• Look out for moles or freckles that are irregular in size, shape, or color
• Pay attention to moles and freckles that begin to change in size or shape
• Look out for changes in skin texture such as flaking, itching, redness, or scaling
• Your doctor may also check for other symptoms like bleeding, soreness, tenderness, and ulceration
Who Will Provide You Skin Cancer Screening?
Your doctor will be responsible for performing your skin cancer screenings. A qualified doctor should explain what areas they will be examining. They should also explain the screening procedure as they are doing it, specifically by demonstrating how to look at your moles/freckles under magnification.
Take account of your personal history, including any previous health conditions and medications you may take when the doctor is performing the screening process. This is important information for the doctor to know.
How to Treat Skin Cancer
Skin cancer treatment options include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, electrosurgery and immunotherapy. Doctors usually choose the treatment based on the type of skin cancer, its location, and its severity.
Skin cancer can be treated when it’s detected early. Early detection is critical for the successful treatment and prevention of skin cancer recurrence. For this reason, you must perform regular screenings and consult your doctor if you notice any suspicious changes or growths in your body.
Skin Cancer Screening and Treatment in Ashland, Kentucky
Azalea Health and Skin Treatment Center in Ashland, Kentucky, provides skin cancer screening and treatment serving the entire community. Schedule your appointment today at 606.467.2360!
Dr. Basedow is now accepting patients from the following cities:
Greenup, Worthington, Hamilton, Russell, Raceland, Wurtland, Bellefonte, Iron Ville, Flatwoods, Ironton, Coal Grove, Westwood, Perry, Catlettsburg, South Point, Ceredo, Fayette, Canonsburg, Union, and Huntington.
© 2023 Azalea Health & Skin Treatment Center. All Rights Reserved