Dermatology Consultants on Types of Skin Cancer and Treatment Options

Dr. Anna Pare' & Dr. Michelle Juneau of Dermatology Consultants in Atlanta and Covington, Georgia - speak with Special Guest : Dr. Evan Weitman - Surgical Oncologist at Piedmont Healthcare regarding the different types of skin cancer, early detection, prevention, what to look for, and treatments available for our patients.
There are three (3) major types of skin cancer which are:
1) Basal cell carcinoma - is a type of skin cancer that most often develops on areas of skin exposed to the sun, such as the face.
2) Squamous cell carcinoma -quamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin is the second most common form of skin cancer, characterized by abnormal, accelerated growth of squamous cells. When caught early, most SCCs are curable.
3) Melanoma - the most serious type of skin cancer, develops in the cells (melanocytes) that produce melanin - the pigment that gives your skin its color.
The seven (7) signs of skin cancer you could be missing are:
* Changes in the appearance of a mole.
* Skin changes after a mole has been removed.
* Itchiness & oozing.
* A sore or spot that won't go away.
* Scaly patches.
* Vision problems.
* Changes in your fingernails or toenails.
We educate our patients at Dermatology Consultants on the A,B,C,D & E's associated with skin cancer:
~ A is for Asymmetry
One half of the spot is unlike the other half.
~ B is for Border
The spot has an irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined border.
~ C is for Color
The spot has varying colors from one area to the next, such as shades of tan, brown or black, or areas of white, red, or blue.
~ D is for Diameter
While melanomas are usually greater than 6 millimeters, or about the size of a pencil eraser, when diagnosed, they can be smaller.
~ E is for Evolving
The spot looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, or color.
Follow these helpful tips from the American Academy of Dermatology to protect your skin from the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays and reduce your risk of skin cancer:
A)Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.
B)Wear sun-protective clothing, such as a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection, when possible. For more effective sun protection, select clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) label.
C)Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Broad-spectrum sunscreen provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
D)Use sunscreen whenever you are going to be outside, even on cloudy days. Apply enough sunscreen to cover all skin not covered by clothing. Most adults need about 1 ounce - or enough to fill a shot glass - to fully cover their body. Don’t forget to apply to the tops of your feet, your neck, your ears and the top of your head. When outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
E)Use extra care near water, snow, and sand, as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
F)Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from tanning beds can cause skin cancer and premature skin aging.
G)Consider using a self-tanning product if you want to look tan, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
H)Perform regular skin self-exams to detect skin cancer early, when it’s most treatable.
If you have experienced any of these warning signs, we strongly encourage you to schedule a full body skin check with a board-certified dermatologist.
Do you have a personal experience that you would be willing to share? Follow the link to share. "Your stories matter".
www.aad.org/public/public-hea...
Helpful sites for more information:
www.aad.org/public/diseases/s...
www.skincancer.org/
www.aad.org/
Do you live in or around the Atlanta or Covington, Georgia are? We would be honored to become a part of your self-care journey at Dermatology Consultants.
www.dermatologyconsultants.org
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