skin cancer

What You Should Know About Skin Cancer

Health and Fitness Tiara Baldeem

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that affects the skin and can be deadly if left untreated. It occurs when abnormal cells in your skin begin to grow uncontrollably, forming tumors or lesions. There are different types of Coupeville skin cancer.

Types of cancer

These are some of the different skin cancers; Squamous cell carcinomas are the most common type of skin cancer. They often appear as firm, red nodules and can become ulcerated or scaly. Basal cell carcinomas are usually found on areas of sun-exposed skin and have a waxy, translucent appearance. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and is generally caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It can appear as a black or brown spot that changes in size, shape, or color over time.

It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of skin cancer so you can take action if you notice anything unusual on your skin. These include new spots or moles, itchy or painful areas, or sores that don’t heal. You should also check your skin regularly for changes and see a doctor if you notice anything different or unusual. If caught early, most skin cancers can be treated successfully.

What to expect when you visit a doctor for a skin cancer screening

Your doctor will likely perform a thorough physical exam to check for any suspicious moles or spots. They may also use a magnifying lens or special lighting or take pictures of the affected area to track changes over time.

Once they have identified an area of concern, they may remove it and send it to a lab for analysis. They may recommend further treatment, such as medication or surgery, depending on the results. In some cases, radiation or chemotherapy may also be recommended.

Early detection is key to skin cancer and regular checkups are essential in helping to detect any changes or abnormalities before they become more serious.

Skin cancer treatment options

These are some of the treatment options:

Surgery

This option involves the removal of the cancerous cells. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, a doctor may do this in an operating room or their office. The procedure entails removing the tumor and a healthy skin margin to ensure all cancerous cells are gone.

Radiation therapy

High-energy X-rays or other types of radiation are used in this type of treatment to eradicate cancer cells. Radiation can be administered outside of a hospital setting and typically lasts several weeks.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is usually used for more advanced skin cancers that have spread beyond the skin. The medicines are either taken orally or applied directly to the area of concern.

Targeted therapy

This type of cancer treatment targets specific molecules involved in cell growth and reproduction and blocks their ability to grow. This form of therapy is often used for more advanced skin cancers.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. It is used more often for advanced skin cancers but can also be used in early-stage skin cancers.

If you have any concerns about your skin, book an appointment with your doctor at Island Aesthetics & Dermatology.

Why You Should go for Skin Cancer Screening

Health and Fitness Yuniar Hamond

Skin Cancer Screening

Cancer is a disease that occurs due to the abnormal growth of cells in the body. When cancer starts in the skin, it is referred to as skin cancer. Cancer is the most common disease in the United States. Some people are more vulnerable to skin cancer however anyone can acquire it. If skin cancer is detected early, specialists can treat it, and there are high chances of eliminating it. Skin cancer has three major types: squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. You can minimize your chances of suffering from skin cancer by reducing your exposure to ultraviolet radiation. If you notice unusual changes in your skin, it is vital to go for a check-up to detect the disease at its early stages. Northstar Dermatology provides skin cancer screenings in Fort Worth and beyond. Their dermatologists are dedicated to giving you a high clinical care level to provide you with long-lasting, healthy skin.

How do you know that you need skin cancer screening?

Your doctor recommends that you go for full-body screening once a year. Schedule a meeting with your dermatologist at Northstar Dermatology for a comprehensive screening if you are at risk of acquiring skin cancer. Factors that show you are at risk of cancer include light skin tone, blue or green eyes, red or blonde hair, history of regular sunburns, family and personal history of skin cancer, lentigo, and numerous skin moles.

What should you expect in a skin cancer screening?

When you are scheduled for screening, you should prepare well for the session by:

Avoid make-up. This will allow the doctor to have a close examination of the skin around your face.

Remove nail polish. This will allow the doctor to examine your fingers, nails, and nail beds.

Have loose hair so that your scalp can also be examined. During the screening, your doctor will request you to change into a gown to allow examination success. The dermatologist will then review the skin all over your body, considering signs such as freckles, lesions, abnormal growth, and moles.

What can you expect after screening?

After the screening process, your dermatologist will analyze the results. If abnormal growths or discolorations are found, the doctor can recommend a biopsy to check for the presence of skin cancer. They will then give you preventive measures to protect your skin, such as staying out of the sun during hot hours, wearing wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and clothes covering your skin. The dermatologist can also recommend you do a skin self-exam at home so that you can familiarize yourself with your skin and any abnormalities. If you experience abnormalities on your skin, dermatologists at Northstar Dermatology recommend that you contact them to receive an examination. According to the American Cancer Society, conducting a self-cancer screening is essential to notice changes early. Self-exam is necessary, especially if you’ve had cancer before or are at a higher risk of getting cancer. Most cancerous cases are treatable when they are found early. The cancer tends to spread to other areas when it  doesn’t get detected and treated early. Talk to your dermatologist when you notice abnormalities on your skin and whether you need screening.