How often should I have a skin cancer screening?
Skin cancer screening frequency depends on your health and history. In general, most healthy adults should have a skin cancer screening with a medical dermatologist like Dr. Allen once a year.
If you have a history of skin cancer, a family history of skin cancer, or if you have new growths that need examination, you may need more frequent skin cancer screenings. Dr. Allen will create a skin cancer screening plan that protects your skin and your health in the best way.
What are the warning signs of skin cancer?
Regularly scheduled skin cancer screenings with Dr. Allen are very important in identifying the warning signs of skin cancer. You should also check your skin monthly at home. The warning signs of skin cancer are as follows.
Melanoma
The signs of melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, include:
- Asymmetry: skin growths where the two sides don’t match
- Borders: growths with uneven, jagged, or otherwise irregular borders
- Color: irregular color, where the growth has different colors in different areas
- Diameter: growths that are bigger than a quarter-of-an-inch in diameter (pencil eraser size)
If you notice any of these changes, see Dr. Allen right away. Melanoma, though dangerous, is also highly treatable. In fact, the survival rate is 99% if you’re diagnosed early.
Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma may cause wounds that continually rupture and heal, scar-like skin growths, highly inflamed skin patches, shiny skin bumps, or pink growths.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma may cause rough red skin patches, crusty or bleeding wounds, bumps with indentions in the middle, sores that don’t heal or recur, or wart-like bumps.
Although basal and squamous cell carcinoma aren’t as invasive and dangerous as melanoma, both require prompt treatment. With a quick response to these types of skin growths, the chance of full recovery is excellent.
How is skin cancer treated?
Skin cancer treatment is very dependent on your specific kind of cancer and other factors unique to you. Treatments may include:
- Incremental removal of a cancerous growth
- Curettage and electrodesiccation
- Complete excision
You may also need medication to recover fully from skin cancer. If you’re diagnosed with skin cancer, you can trust Dr. Allen for the most effective treatments available today.
Book your skin cancer screening at Angel Allen Dermatology online or by phone now.
