Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer in Clemmons, NC

What is Skin Cancer, and What Causes It?

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, caused by the growth of abnormal skin cells. The main cause of skin cancer is excessive sun exposure, which can damage skin cells. Other causes of skin cancer include exposure to toxic substances and some medical conditions.

Different Types of Skin Cancer

There are different types of skin cancer. The three main types of skin cancer are:

• Squamous cell carcinoma, which affects the middle to upper layers of skin, where squamous cells are located
• Basal cell carcinoma, which affects the deeper layers of skin, where basal cells are located
• Melanoma, which is the most aggressive type of skin cancer, develops in the melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin color

Risk Factors for Skin Cancer

You are at greater risk of developing skin cancer if you:

• Have fair skin and freckles
• Sunburn easily and severely
• Have a family history of skin cancer
• Have a previous history of skin cancer

Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer

There are several signs and symptoms of skin cancer, and many of them appear in moles. You need to see a dermatologist if you have moles that are:

• Large, usually over 6 millimeters
• Asymmetrical, with irregular borders
• Changing in size, shape, and color
• Itching, bleeding, or oozing

Diagnosis of Skin Cancer

You should have a skin examination with a dermatologist at least once yearly, and more often if you are at high risk of developing skin cancer. Skin cancer is typically diagnosed with a biopsy, which involves taking a small tissue sample and checking for cancerous cells.

Treatment of Skin Cancer

Depending on the type and stage of skin cancer, your dermatologist may recommend:

• Cryosurgery, to freeze cancerous cells
• Curretage and desiccation, to scrape and apply electric current to kill cancerous cells
• Mohs micrographic surgery, to remove and examine tissue with a microscope

For more aggressive types of skin cancer like melanoma, your dermatologist may also recommend radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Prevention of Skin Cancer

You need to protect your skin from sun exposure to prevent skin cancer. You should:

• Wear a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 when you are outside
• Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least SPF 50 if you are at high risk of developing skin cancer.
• Avoid tanning booths
• Stay out of the sun between 10 AM and 2 PM, when UV rays are the most damaging

Want To Know More About Skin Cancer and Skin Cancer Treatment?

Call dermatology professionals Beth and Scott Gurley at Clemmons Dermatology in Clemmons, NC to learn more about skin cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. You can reach them in the office by calling (336) 979-4499, so call today.