Who is at risk of skin cancer?
Skin cancer affects everyone. However, your risk of developing skin cancer is higher if any of the following factors apply to you:
- Blue or green eyes
- Light-colored skin
- Blond or red hair
- History of sunburns
- Weakened immune system
- Over 50 moles on your body
- Skin that easily burns or freckles rather than tans
Your risk of skin cancer further increases if you have irregularly shaped or darker moles (nevi), which are considered atypical or dysplastic.
What are the symptoms of skin cancer?
While skin cancer can develop anywhere on your body, sun-exposed areas are the most vulnerable to skin cancer. The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma (BCC). This type of skin cancer can lead to:
- Dome-shaped growths with visible blood vessels
- Shiny pinkish patches
- Slow-healing sores
The second-most common type of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This type of skin cancer leads to:
- Rough bumps
- Crusty patches
- Red, rough, flat patches
- A dome-shaped bump that bleeds
The deadliest form of skin cancer is melanoma. In many cases, melanoma begins in an existing mole. It’s essential to know the following ABCDE acronym to recognize the warning signs of melanoma. Watch for:
- Asymmetrical moles
- Borders that are irregular or scalloped
- Colors that change in a mole
- Diameter that’s greater than the size of a pencil eraser
- Evolving moles or growths that look different from surrounding moles
If you experience any of these skin cancer-related symptoms, contact Nelson Dermatology for a skin check today.
How does a dermatologist treat skin cancer?
Nelson Dermatology offers on-site biopsies, so your dermatologist can remove your unusual mole or growth right in the office and send it to the lab for evaluation. Depending on the outcome of your biopsy, your dermatologist may recommend any of the following skin cancer treatments:
- Cryosurgery with liquid nitrogen
- Curettage and desiccation
- Mohs micrographic surgery
- Prescription medicated creams
- Radiation therapy
- Surgical excision
Once your dedicated dermatologist at Nelson Dermatology treats your skin cancer, they help you learn how to lower your risk of recurrence.
If you have an unusual skin growth or a personal history of skin cancer, book an exam at Nelson Dermatology today. Click on the online scheduling tool or call to book by phone.
