What is skin cancer?
May is skin cancer awareness month, so you may be seeing and hearing a lot about this common disease. But do you really understand what skin cancer is, and how it occurs? Knowledge is power, so learning more about skin care can help you prevent it.
Skin cancer occurs when skin cells undergo damage or mutations and start to grow out of control, causing malignant tumors or growths. These growths can assume a variety of appearances, depending on the individual and the type of skin cancer. These cancerous cells can then metastasize, or spread, to other areas of the body. In extreme cases, skin cancer can be fatal.
How can skin cancer be prevented?
Fortunately, it is easy to greatly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer by following some simple steps. Not all the causes of skin cancer are completely known or understood, but it is generally accepted that ultra violet light is the most common contributor to the development of skin cancer. Exposure to ultra violet light can occur artificially, such as in tanning beds, or naturally, through exposure to the sun.
To protect yourself from skin cancer, practice sun safety. Avoid tanning beds and artificial UV light entirely. Wear sunscreen daily, and re-apply as needed. When you have to be in the sun, wear covering clothing, a hat, or other protection.
Taking care of your skin also improves the chances of early detection of skin cancer. Make sure that you are seeing your dermatologist regularly- at least annually- for a check up.
How is skin cancer treated?
Luckily, skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early. The specific type of treatment that will be recommended by your dermatologist will vary depending on the location of the cancer, the type of skin cancer you have, and how far the disease has advanced. Some of the common treatments for skin cancer include:
- Mohs surgery
- Excision
- Cryotherapy
- Radiation
- Photodynamic therapy
- Chemotherapy
If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, talk to your dermatologist about the best treatment option for your needs.
Charlotte NC dermatologist for skin cancer
Remember that early detection is the leading indicator in successful treatment of skin cancer. To ensure that you are catching any troublesome skin issues early, make sure that you see your dermatologist at least once a year for your skin check-up.
If you live in or near the Charlotte NC area, consider receiving your dermatology care and annual skin checkup from the team at Metrolina Dermatology.
South Charlotte dermatologist and Fellowship trained Mohs surgeon Dr. Haberle is recognized as an expert in all areas of dermatology, including medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments. Contact the team at Metrolina Dermatology today to schedule your skin cancer screening.
128
Rating:
