If you suspect that you may have skin cancer on your body, you should make an appointment with your doctor to have them take a closer look. Your doctor can perform a physical examination and perform a history, but he or she may recommend a biopsy to further determine the condition. Your doctor will check for scaling, bleeding, or dry patches. If your doctor suspects that the condition is cancer, he or she may perform a biopsy. This is a simple procedure wherein a sample of the suspicious area is removed and sent to a lab for further analysis.
Malignant melanoma can look very similar to benign moles. In fact, one third of malignant melanomas have no brown pigment. They may also look like benign moles or blood blisters. Some may even resemble foreign bodies and ingrown nails. A dermatologist can help you determine whether you have this type of skin cancer. However, you should not be alarmed by a suspicious-looking growth if it resembles a mole or freckle.
Treatment options for skin cancer depend on the location, size, and spread of the cancer. Some squamous cell skin cancers are harder to treat than others. Surgery is the first option for treatment and can either involve removing the entire tumor or just a few layers. Surgical removal is generally an outpatient procedure, depending on the characteristics of the cancer. You can choose a simple excision for a small skin tumor, or more complex procedures like electrodessication, which kills cancer cells with electricity.
In addition to basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma can also be dangerous. These cancers form in oil glands on the skin and are often seen on sun-exposed areas. Merkel cell carcinoma is another type of skin cancer and often spreads to other parts of the body. If caught early, both types of cancer can be treated successfully. If you have a squamous cell cancer, it is recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Fortunately, most types of skin cancer have a very good prognosis. In addition to the physical signs of skin cancer, doctors can use imaging technology to help diagnose the condition. Dermatologists can use a system called TNM to grade the severity of cancer. The TNM score is based on tumor thickness, lymph node spread, and metastasis. The lower the TNM number, the earlier the stage, and then determine the overall stage.
The risk of recurrence for BCC is higher if the cancer has an uneven border. Fortunately, if you have an even border, your chances of recurrence are much lower. Although BCC can grow on any part of the body, the risk of recurrence is much lower if the tumour is discovered early. A smooth border means that the cancer can be treated more effectively and the risk of recurrence is reduced.
The risk of developing skin cancer increases with age. People over 65 are more likely to develop basal cell cancer and squamous cell carcinoma. Repeated exposure to sunlight and tanning beds is believed to be a major risk factor for skin cancer. Fortunately, there are many ways to minimize the risk of skin cancer by reducing intentional exposure to UV light. So, if you think you have a risk factor, talk to your doctor.
