Preventing and detecting skin cancer are primary concerns for dermatologists. With nearly 20% of Americans experiencing skin cancer during their lifetime, the importance of screenings and treatment by a dermatologist cannot be understated.
An early diagnosis is highly treatable. Skin growths can be removed as part of the skin cancer care routine that takes place in a dermatologist’s office. However, depending on the size of the growth and the type of skin cancer, radiation or chemotherapy may be needed.
How Dermatologists Can Prevent and Detect Skin Cancer
Triggered by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells. Those who develop unnatural skin growths should consult with a dermatologist.
Thankfully, a dermatologist can identify the skin growth during a screening, determine its severity, and determine whether it is cancerous. An early diagnosis with long-term monitoring can prevent severe skin cancer from spreading.
Common Skin Cancers
According to the National Library of Medicine, some of the most common situations in dermatological clinical practice consist of the following:
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Pre-carcinomatous skin lesions
- Lesions with a high risk of malignant tumor association (dysplastic nevi, lentigo, and actinic keratoses)
- Malignant skin tumors (malignant melanoma)
Early detection of the above can help reduce the risk of long-term cancerous growths. Your dermatologist will work with you to determine the best course of treatment for your specific type of skin cancer.
When is Skin Cancer Screening Required?
There are various scenarios in which dermatologists must screen for skin cancer. In fact, an oncological screening is required in the following scenarios:
- Those belonging to high-risk populations (family history, skin phototype, or tanning)
- Early diagnosis and monitoring of patients with cutaneous neoplasms
- Those with cutaneous paraneoplastic disorders triggered by an internal cancer
Examples of cutaneous paraneoplastic disorders include:
- Complex genetic syndromes
- Lymphocytic infiltrates
- Leser-Trelat syndrome
- Pyoderma gangrenosum
Those suffering from any of the above disorders should speak with their dermatologist to determine the severity of the cancerous growth. A diagnosis should be made after a dermatologist performs a skin cancer screening.
Warning Signs of Skin Cancer
If you develop a skin growth, it does not mean the growth is cancerous. However, there are warning signs that may indicate whether a growth is cancerous.
Some of the warning signs that a growth may be cancerous consist of:
- Unidentifiable skin lesions
- Growths or spots that bleed, ooze, or scab for weeks
- Skin lesions that grow larger
- An open wound or sore that doesn’t heal after a month
- Moles or birthmarks that grow larger
- Skin lesions that change color, shape, or texture
- Growths that cause specific sensations such as pain, burning, tenderness, or itchiness
If you exhibit any warning signs of skin cancer, seek help right away. There is a wide array of treatment options to consider. Dermatologic specialists may explore treatment options based on the highest likelihood of success for each patient.
Risk Factors for Developing Skin Cancer
Some of the best ways to protect yourself from UV radiation are to avoid tanning beds, wear sun-protective clothing, use sunscreen, and wear hats while outdoors. Despite this, there are a number of risk factors associated with the development of skin cancer.
Risk factors for developing skin cancer may include:
- Individuals with freckles or red hair
- Increased age
- History of sun exposure
- Damaged skin, such as burns or scars
- History of radiation exposure
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals
- History of sunburns
- History of skin cancer
- Family history of skin cancer
To avoid skin cancer, take care of your body and your health by avoiding prolonged sun exposure and exposure to radiation and hazardous chemicals.
Find Skin Cancer Treatment Today
Whether you have noticed an unusual growth suddenly appear on your skin, or you have recurring skin lesions, Sarasota Dermatologist offers numerous treatment options to avoid skin cancer.
Contact us today to learn more about our skin care, dermatologic surgery, and various skin treatments.