If you have more than 50 moles, you are at an increased risk for melanoma. If the moles have irregular borders or a mixture of colors, they may also be a warning sign. Additionally, if you have close family members with melanoma, you may have a higher risk for developing this type of skin cancer. A dermatologist can help you identify these lesions. Symptoms of skin cancer vary from person to person.
Approximately 5.4 million cases of squamous cell and basal cell cancers are diagnosed each year. These types of skin cancer tend to develop on areas where people are most exposed to the sun. Melanoma, which makes up one percent of all skin cancers, is typically formed in melanocytes, the cells that give skin color. Though melanomas are normally noncancerous, they can turn cancerous if they are not treated quickly. Melanoma can develop anywhere on the body, though most commonly on the chest and back of men and women with darker skin.
Despite these risks, skin cancer can be detected early, making it much easier to treat. Early detection can mean the difference between life and death for a person with the disease. Early detection can also help you avoid unnecessary surgery or disfigurement. Therefore, it is essential to learn to perform self-examinations and to identify any changes in your skin. These tips can help you get an early diagnosis and make sure you don’t have skin cancer.
A skin cancer doctor can recommend a range of treatments to treat your condition. In addition to surgery, your doctor may prescribe immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or plastic surgery. If the tumor is large and spreads, systemic chemotherapy or immunotherapy may be necessary. However, if treatment is unsuccessful, you may still be able to receive palliative care. And while you’re waiting for your diagnosis, consider preventing UV rays from the sun.
Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation can also increase your risk for skin cancer. This radiation is caused by the sun or tanning beds. People living at higher elevations or closer to the equator experience higher exposure to UV radiation. By using sunscreen and avoiding tanning equipment, you’ll be less likely to develop skin cancer. You may even have a hereditary DNA repair defect that increases your risk of developing this cancer.
Regular self-checks of your skin can help you detect cancer early. The skin is the largest organ of the body, so it deserves the same attention as other health concerns. While the presence of blemishes and marks on your skin is not harmful, they should be examined by a dermatologist. And if the cancer is detected early, treatment may be as simple as topical creams or outpatient surgical procedures. A dermatologist can also provide you with advice on how to deal with it once it’s detected.
The most effective way to prevent skin cancer is to wear a high-factor sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and dress sensibly while outdoors. The same applies for tanning beds and sunlamps. Seeing a dermatologist for regular skin checks can help detect melanoma early. If you do, the likelihood of successful treatment increases. However, the longer you have the cancer, the more likely you are to develop it again in a different location.
