The Dermatologists at Coast
Dermatology are constantly educating their patients
about skin cancer. Early skin cancer detection
is critical! Please read this very important overview
of skin cancer and why you may be at risk for the
development of skin cancer or melanoma. During
your skin exam, the doctor will examine the entire
body and check for any atypical moles or lesions.
A new state of the art procedure called transillumination
might also be employed to get a closer look at any
questionable lesions. Over 90% of skin cancer happens
on skin that has been exposed to the sun. The most
common places for skin cancer to occur are the face,
neck, ears, forearms and hands.There are three common
types of skin cancer:
Basal
Cell Carcinoma:
U sually develops on the face, ears, lips and around
the mouth of fair skinned people. It starts with a
small red patch or a shiny, pink, red or white bump.
It may develop into a crusty or open sore that doesn’t
heal, or only heals for a short period of time. It
can be cured if treated early.
Squamous
Cell Carcinoma:
H as a high cure rate if treated early, but can be
deadly if not caught early. It usually appears as
a scaly patch or a raised growth that looks like a
crust or wart.
Melanoma
The most dangerous form of skin cancer. It usually
looks like a dark brown or black mole with irregular
edges. It can have different colors with shades of
red, blue and white. It occurs anywhere on the body.
If found early, it can be cured, but if ignored, it
spreads throughout the body and can be fatal.
Everyone with
moles and growths should be checked on a periodic
basis, at least once a year.
Do
I have to hide from the sun?
The answer is no, but you do need to protect yourself
from the sun. Use common sense and follow the recommendations
proposed by the American Academy of Dermatology.
YEARLY
EXAMS ARE A MUST... Skin cancers can
develop at any time and at any age, even though the
are most common after the age of forty
Click
To Take The Test
The
Test
A = Asmmetry, one half of the
mole is unlike the other half.
B = Borders, the borders of
the mole is irregular, or scalloped in shape.
C = Color, if the color of the
mole varies from one area to another.
D = Diameter, if the diameter
is larger than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser)
Self-examination could save your
life, its as easy as A,B,C,D...
