Skin cancer is a dangerous condition that can be treated with a combination of early detection and effective treatments. An Orlando plastic surgeon can use dermatology treatments to ensure your skin cancer doesn’t spread. They can perform annual skin exams and mole checks to diagnose conditions early on and use procedures that promote optimal health.
There are several types of Skin Cancer Orlando specialists will look out for. This article will review the variations you should be aware of.
Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratosis is a precancerous condition caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays. It is a crusty growth that can develop into squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma. It typically appears on the head, face, ears, neck, lips, shoulders, legs, hands, and other areas that are prone to sun exposure.
You may not detect actinic keratosis in its early stages. You may only notice that your skin feels rough when you run your fingers over it, but the lesions under your skin will soon surface and appear as abrasions that resemble warts or pointy moles.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It is so-called because it grows in the basal cells of the epidermis. While it is not generally aggressive, it can spread and cause nerve and muscle damage.
Like actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma is also caused by sun damage. It appears in parts of the body prone to sun exposure like the scalp, face, shoulders, and back. It may also be caused by radiation and arsenic contact.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. Like other types of cancers, it can be caused by the sun, but genetic factors can also contribute to their occurrence.
This type of skin cancer can appear in many forms. If you have a sore that doesn’t heal or an unusual-looking mole, you may want to visit an Orlando Plastic Surgeon to ensure you don’t have melanoma. The moles and spots can appear anywhere on the body including beneath the fingernails, between your fingers, and on the soles of your feet.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This second most common form of skin cancer can appear as open sores, warts with central depressions, or scaly patches. They usually form on parts of the body prone to sun exposure, but they may also be found on the genitals or the mouth. They are caused by uncontrolled squamous cells that grow on the epidermis.
While anyone can get squamous cell carcinoma, it is more likely to occur in people with light-colored hair and skin and older adults. There have been increasing incidents of the condition among Latinos and African Americans. It can often be found at the site of a burn or another type of skin injury.
How To Prevent Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is not considered as serious as other types of cancer. It appears on the skin and is, therefore, easily detectable. Once it is detected, it can be removed before it spreads.
Early detection is the key. So, what you can you do to prevent skin cancer? Annual skin exams and mole checks are ideal prevention methods.
Skin exams are simple procedures that involve a specialist visually scanning your skin. If an unusual mole is found, they may biopsy it and send it to the lab. In some instances, the biopsy can completely remove the cancer. Or you may require minor surgery to remove cancerous cells.
You can also prevent skin cancer at home with mole checks. Moles are pigmented cells that are typically benign. If you see a new mole that changes size, shape, and color, or itches hurts, or bleeds, you should get an exam to find out if it’s skin cancer. Orlando specialists will advise you on the next steps.
You can also lower your risk of skin cancer by staying out of the sun, especially during peak hours. If you plan on being in a sunny location, cover yourself with high- SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen. Clothing, hats, and sunglasses also offer protection.
Skin cancer is not a pleasant diagnosis, but with early detection and the right treatment methods, you will overcome it and move on with your life. What do you do to minimize your risk?
