In addition to sunlamps and tanning beds, skin cancer is also caused by excessive exposure to the sun. When outside, it is important to wear high-factor sunscreen and dress sensibly. Avoid the use of sunbeds and other devices that can emit UV rays, such as tanning beds. If you must spend time outdoors, use sun protection factor 30 or more and wear a wide-brimmed hat. Skin cancer is a very preventable condition and early diagnosis is crucial to successful treatment.
In people of color, the incidence of skin cancer is lower than in non-sun-exposed people. However, this cancer has a worse prognosis. Blacks are at greater risk for melanoma than Hispanics and is more likely to occur in areas that are not exposed to sunlight. Most people have at least a few moles, but a small percentage of them can be cancerous. While the risk of developing melanoma increases with age, most skin cancers are preventable.
The most common locations to look for skin cancer include the elbows, palms, and forearms. Those with fair skin should also check the back of their legs, between their toes, and genital area. Even those with fair skin should make regular dermatologist visits to ensure there are no suspicious lesions. The risk of developing skin cancer depends on many factors, including your lifestyle and your genetics. Before going on a vacation or taking a trip to the sun, check your skin for moles.
When it comes to skin cancer, a doctor can use biopsy to determine whether there’s a problem. A biopsy involves removing a small piece of skin and sending it to a laboratory for analysis. In some cases, a biopsy is not enough to rule out the cancer, and the doctor may recommend more tests such as CT scan or MRI or a lymph node biopsy. For those with a suspicious skin condition, early diagnosis is crucial to prevent it from spreading and affecting other parts of the body.
For more advanced skin cancers, a multidisciplinary team of physicians is needed to manage the patient’s condition. The team includes a medical oncologist, dermatologist, and radiation oncologist. The multidisciplinary team will decide on the best course of treatment. If surgery is not an option, other treatments may be necessary, including oral medications and surgery. In some cases, immunotherapy is also used. In this type of cancer, the body’s immune system attacks the cancer cells.
Blistering skin is a good warning sign that you have a skin cancer. It may appear as a new mole or a sore. KS lesions can spread to the throat or the stomach and may cause bleeding. In addition, KS lesions can develop into squamous cell carcinoma. Fortunately, the signs of skin cancer are not always the same for everyone, so it is crucial to get checked out by a doctor if you suspect you have a skin cancer.
