You should see a dermatologist for possible skin cancer.
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For possible skin cancer, it is highly recommended to see a dermatologist. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “Just like you would see a cardiologist for a heart condition, seeing a dermatologist is important for any skin condition.” A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in skin, hair, and nail health, including the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with approximately 9,500 people diagnosed with skin cancer every day. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The earlier skin cancer is detected, the better chance there is for successful treatment.
Here are some interesting facts about skin cancer:
- Exposure to UV radiation (from the sun or tanning beds) is the primary cause of skin cancer.
- People with fair skin, light hair, and light-colored eyes are more at risk for skin cancer.
- Skin cancer can appear anywhere on the body, not just in areas that are exposed to the sun.
- Skin cancer can be treated through various methods, including surgery, radiation therapy, and topical medications.
- Prevention is key when it comes to skin cancer. Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wear protective clothing, seek shade, and avoid tanning beds.
If you are concerned about possible skin cancer, make an appointment with a dermatologist. They can perform a thorough examination and biopsy if necessary. Remember, early detection is crucial in the successful treatment of skin cancer.
Here is a comparison table of the three main types of skin cancer:
| Type of Skin Cancer | Appearance | Risk Factors | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basal Cell Carcinoma | Pearly or waxy bump, often with visible blood vessels | Sun exposure, fair skin | Surgery, topical medications, radiation therapy |
| Squamous Cell Carcinoma | Scaly red patch, open sore, or elevated growth with a central depression | Sun exposure, fair skin, history of skin cancer | Surgery, radiation therapy |
| Melanoma | Large brownish spot with darker speckles, mole that changes in size, color, or texture | Sun exposure, tanning bed use, family history of skin cancer | Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy |
Video related “Who should I see for possible skin cancer?”
Dr. Sam Ellis explains the three most common types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, along with how to identify them using the ABCDE rule and risk factors for developing skin cancer. He also discusses how dermatologists diagnose and treat skin cancer, including using a biopsy, topical chemotherapy cream, scraping or destroying the cancer, or excising it from the skin. Early detection is crucial, and full-body skin exams by a dermatologist are recommended for those with risk factors.
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If you find a spot on your skin that could be skin cancer, it’s time to see a dermatologist. Found early, skin cancer is highly treatable. Often a dermatologist can treat an early skin cancer by removing the cancer and a bit of normal-looking skin. Given time to grow, treatment for skin cancer becomes more difficult.
In addition, people ask
Who is best to check for skin cancer?
Response to this: For people at high risk of melanoma, or for specialist advice, a referral to see a dermatologist may be recommended. Dermatologists are doctors who have completed additional training to specialise in diagnosing and treating skin disease, including skin cancers.
What does Stage 1 skin cancer look like?
Answer to this: Stage 1 skin cancer can vary in appearance depending on the type of skin cancer. Generally, it appears as a small growth or sore with a pearly or waxy appearance. It may also look like a red, scaly patch or a pink or flesh-colored bump.
What are the 7 warning signs of skin cancer?
7 signs of skin cancer you could be missing
- 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.
What are 5 symptoms of skin cancer?
The response is: 5 Common Signs of Skin Cancer
- Moles on Your Skin. When it comes to spotting melanoma, moles are often the key.
- Itchy, Reddish Patches. From time to time, we all get rashes.
- Lumps and Bumps.
- Lesions.
- Any Unexpected Changes.
Should I see a doctor if I have skin cancer?
Response will be: If you have any suspicious spots on your skin that you suspect could be skin cancer, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Diagnosing skin cancer early greatly improves the ability to treat it successfully. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, if melanoma is caught early, your 5-year survival is 99 percent.
When do you see a doctor about a melanoma?
Most melanomas are brought to a doctor’s attention because of signs or symptoms a person is having. If you have an abnormal area on your skin that might be cancer, your doctor will examine it and might do tests to find out if it is melanoma, another type of skin cancer, or some other skin condition.
How often should I see a dermatologist?
Response will be: Get a full-body, professional skin exam once a year or more often if you are at higher risk for skin cancer. Make the most of your appointment with these tips. If you’ve never seen a dermatologist, our physician finder can help you locate one. Skin cancer is the cancer you can see.
What is the most common skin cancer?
Basal cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer, affecting close to 20 percent of Americans. This cancer forms in basal cells at the bottom of your upper layer of skin called your epidermis. Squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer.
Should I see a doctor if I have skin cancer?
As an answer to this: If you have any suspicious spots on your skin that you suspect could be skin cancer, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Diagnosing skin cancer early greatly improves the ability to treat it successfully. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, if melanoma is caught early, your 5-year survival is 99 percent.
When do you see a doctor about a melanoma?
As a response to this: Most melanomas are brought to a doctor’s attention because of signs or symptoms a person is having. If you have an abnormal area on your skin that might be cancer, your doctor will examine it and might do tests to find out if it is melanoma, another type of skin cancer, or some other skin condition.
How often should I see a dermatologist?
The answer is: Get a full-body, professional skin exam once a year or more often if you are at higher risk for skin cancer. Make the most of your appointment with these tips. If you’ve never seen a dermatologist, our physician finder can help you locate one. Skin cancer is the cancer you can see.
What happens when a dermatologist removes a skin cancer?
What your dermatologist removes will be looked at under a microscope. The doctor who examines the removed skin will look for cancer cells. If cancer cells are found, your biopsy report will tell you what type of skin cancer cells were found. When cancer cells aren’t found, your biopsy report will explain what was seen under the microscope.