Skin cancer
What is skin cancer?
Prevention
Who is a good candidate?
Risks
Recovery
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer.
Though we are all at risk for skin cancer, you
are at greater risk if you are fair skinned,
have a family history of skin cancer or spend
a lot of time outdoors. Risk also increases
with age.
There are three major types of skin cancer:
- Basal cell carcinoma – This is the
least dangerous form of skin cancer. It grows
slowly and rarely spreads.
- Squamous cell carcinoma – This form
is more likely to spread and become life threatening
if not treated.
- Malignant melanoma – Melanoma commonly
spreads and can be deadly. A new mole or a
change in existing mole can be a warning sign
for melanoma.
Early diagnosis is important for long-term
health. By paying close attention to your skin
and existing moles, sores that are taking a
long time to heal, new lumps or changes in color
or texture, you may save your life.
Prevention
You can lower your chances of developing skin
cancer by protecting yourself from the sun.
Ultraviolet rays are dangerous, whether from
the sun or the artificial lights of tanning
beds and sunlamp. Doctors recommend applying
SPF 15 every day, wearing protective clothing,
staying away from tanning beds and doing your
best to avoid blistering sunburns.
Who is a good candidate?
If you notice a suspicious change in your skin,
consult with a physician. You may be referred
to a plastic surgeon or dermatologist. Plastic
surgeons are expert in diagnosing and treating
all types of skin cancer. If surgery is needed,
your doctor’s surgical expertise will
help give you with the best possible appearance
if surgery is needed.
Sometimes a plastic surgeon will work with
a team of specialists including oncologists,
radiologists and dermatologists to treat skin
cancer.
Risks
Surgery has risks, but you can help prevent
complications by carefully following your physician's
instructions both before and after surgery.
Talk with your plastic surgeon to be sure you
understand the potential risks and complications.
If you don't understand something, ask!
Recovery
Depending on the size and depth of the skin
cancer, your doctor may able to remove the spot
in the office using only local anesthesia. In
some cases, more extensive surgery and chemotherapy
or radiation therapy can be necessary.
Talk to your doctor about what to expect during
your recovery and about what steps you can take
to prevent a recurrence.
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