SKIN CANCER SCREENING AND TREATMENT IN MELBOURNE, FL
Skin cancer is where cells quickly grow forming malignant tumors typically discernable on the skin. It should be noted there are many types of skin cancer, and some can be more dangerous because the cancer cells can spread to other areas in your body, causing tumors to grow sometimes growing within vital organs.
The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer typically by age of 70.
Frequently Asked Questions & Skin Cancer Types
Causes Of Skin Cancer
UV rays released from the sun or even artificial light from a tanning bed can result in skin cancer. Exposure to these rays damages the DNA in the skin cells, causing rapid growth and formation of tumors or growths. This may occur as the result of a lifetime of unprotected exposure to the sun, indoor tanning, or sunburns, as well as some chemicals may also cause skin cancers after regular contact.
Within in certain demographics skin cancers are much more common. Some that fit this include people who have regularly utilized indoor tanning and men in mid-life. However, this may also be hereditary, and if an immediate family member may have had it you are more likely to develop it as well.
Types Of Skin Cancer
There are many types of skin cancer but these are the three most common:
Basal Cell – The most common type of skin cancer is Basal Cell frequently developing in people with light skin but it can still develop with other skin types as well. The Basal cell can develop anyplace on your body, but is most commonly seen on arms, neck and head. Appearing as a flesh-colored bump typically of pearly or pink coloring. If not handled Basal Cell Carcinomas may spread into nearby tissue and surrounding skin, which may compromise your health and even possible mobility.
Squamous Cell – Squamous, the second most common type of skin cancer often will appear looking like a sore that will heal and re-open and may often feel like a scaled patch or even a firm bump. These firm bumps will often form on areas frequently visible to sun areas such as the arms ears, neck, facial area, chest, and back. Also, light, or fairer skin is more prone to develop squamous cell than someone with a darker skin color. Squamous cell may also spread to other areas.
Melanoma – Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer, and typically looks like a mole or will develop on one. It can be identified though with regular skin checks/screening(s) of the whole body by a dermatologist.
What Is The Treatment For Skin Cancer?
Treatment typically starts with an evaluation of the growth of the area as well as a biopsy to determine what type of cancer it is. There are a variety of ways to treat skin cancer, but these will determine on your individual circumstances as well as the type you are diagnosed with. Most include surgical removal of the skin cancer/growth area.
However, there are some non-surgical techniques available which your doctor will discuss with you if this is possible. In a select few cases, medical grade treatments such as chemical peels may be used on a pre-cancerous growth, but again this is to be determined by the doctor.
Prevention
The most effective way to prevent a skin cancer from developing is always wearing an SPF, even when indoors. Dermatologists usually recommend using a Broad spectrum mineral based sunscreen of at least a SPF30 or higher that is applied thirty minutes before going outdoors and reapplied every few hours after that. If possible, you should also incorporate wearing UV-blocking clothes, hats, sunglasses, and a lip balm with SPF, to safeguard against further harm.
We also know that tanning indoors is just as dangerous as actual sunlight. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more will end up with skin cancer because of indoor tanning than someone who is a smoker getting lung cancer, that’s a scary thought. Facts: if you have used any indoor tanning device/bed, you are actually six times more possible to develop melanoma and sometimes as early as in your twenties.
Even if you think you may not be at risk for skin cancer it is important you always do a skin check at home and see Dr. Porter right away if you notice anything unusual. If caught early, skin cancer can be easily treated and even avoided entirely if you are always mindful of prevention of it—so never leave home without your spf!
