Detecting Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is treatable and curable if it is found earlier on in it’s process. Head to toe self-examinations are recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation in order to find any new spots of concern that could be cancerous or precancerous. When checking your own skin for any abnormalities, look for the ABCD’s of skin cancer. This means that there shouldn’t be any signs of asymmetry, there should be a clear border, a uniform color, and a small diameter. Check for spots on the skin or moles that have changed over time that you might be worried about. Immediately notify a doctor if you spot anything suspicious!
You can also get a dermatologist to give you an annual or bi-annual screening to check for any cancerous signs. A doctor can do a full body exam and possibly find things that you yourself might miss. If the doctor finds anything, then they can address the abnormalities to investigate further if they are cancerous. They will also be able to figure out if it is a basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma. They will move forward with a biopsy and run tests to see if there are cancerous cells present.
Treating And Preventing Skin Cancer
Preventing Skin Cancer
Preventing skin cancer is the highest of priorities, as it can all be avoided if you properly take care of your skin. A professional dermatologist is able to help you actively prevent skin cancer by combining supervision, products, and treatments in order to work towards the best possible health of the skin. Dermatology can work from the inside out, and help to prevent skin diseases and cancers. Some of the ways in which they can do this is skin cleansing and toning, correction of problem areas, stimulation, and providing products to help protect your skin against UV rays. Most importantly, these efforts should go hand in hand with your personal efforts to keep away from harmful sun exposure. UV rays cause skin cancer in the long run, and are one of the main factors in aging and forming cancerous cells.
Treating Skin Cancer
Now, let’s say that you are past the point of detection and prevention. You or your dermatologist has found a form of skin cancer on your body. What can you do? Your dermatologist will be able to perform removal of the area affected in order to hopefully avoid any further spread of the cancer cells. Some can even perform plastic and reconstructive surgery as part of the process.
If you would like more information on preventing, detecting, and treating skin cancer, please contact the Loudoun Center For Plastic Surgery and Dermatology today.