Early detection is key
One out of every five people will develop a skin cancer at some point in their life. Skin cancer is the most common kind of cancer in the U.S. If found early, when it's small and hasn't spread, skin cancer can often be treated with success. Performing regular skin checks is the best way to find new or changing lesions that may cause concern.
- Atypical moles are unusual looking or have irregular features. Your healthcare provider may suggest they be removed to prevent an increased risk for melanoma.
- Basal cell cancer is the most common skin cancer typically due to chronic sun exposure. It is usually found on the face, ears, neck, trunk, or arms. Varying in color, these lesions may be waxy, pearly, scaly, or scar-like.
- Squamous cell cancer lesions often form in similar areas as basal cell cancer. They can start in scars, burns, and sores that don't heal. The lesions are firm, red bumps or flat, scaly, crusty growths.
- Melanoma is a much more dangerous kind of skin cancer. It's often brown or black, but it may be mixed in color. It can have ill-defined borders and may vary in shape and size.
People of all ages and backgrounds are at risk, but in most cases, skin cancer can be prevented - learn more about prevention, click here.
Skin screenings
Doing monthly skin checkups is the best way to find new marks or skin changes that may cause concern. The American Cancer Society advises a skin screening if you notice:
- Any change on your skin, especially in the size or color of a mole or other darkly pigmented growth or spot, or a new growth.
- Scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or change in the appearance of a bump or nodule.
- The spread of pigmentation beyond its border, such as dark coloring that spreads past the edge of a mole or mark.
- A change in sensation, itchiness, tenderness, or pain.
Stonegate Dermatology offers skin cancer screenings, to make an appointment call 269.408.4265 or reach out online.
Learn more by watching an online seminar
Dermatologist, Riddhi Shah, DO, discusses types of skin cancer, how to identify and treat the disease, and the importance of preventative measures and regular skin exams in the video below: