How to spot skin cancer for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment
Skin cancer is a condition that should not be taken lightly. This cancer, however, can be easily spotted during annual skin cancer screenings. With early detection and treatment, most patients enjoy recovery and less complications and risks. At Dermatology Consultants of Short Hills, our professionals are available to provide necessary screenings to help patients stay proactive in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of skin cancer.
What can cause skin cancer?
Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer that individuals may experience, and it is diagnosed when there is a growth of abnormal skin cells in a particular area of the face or body. Some patients are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer than others. Below are just a few of the risk factors that may contribute to the development of cancerous cells:
- Fair skinned individuals
- Those living in sunnier climates with less skin protection
- Those with frequent sunburns
- Tanning
- Those with numerous or changing moles
- Exposure to harmful substances
What are the symptoms of skin cancer?
There are three types of skin cancer that can develop, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, with melanoma being the most aggressive of them all. With an early diagnosis, many patients can seek treatment to address the abnormal skin cells and ensure healthy skin. Some of the signs that skin cancer may be present might include:
- Changing moles, in shape, size, color, or border
- Painful lesions that itch or burn
- Dark-colored lesions or growths on the skin
- Flaky, flat lesions that develop
- Hard, red lumps and growths under the skin
- Flesh-colored lesions or flat brown spots
- Recurring sores that scab and bleed but don’t heal
- Waxy, pearl-like bump in the skin
- Unusual spots or markings that develop on sun-exposed areas
- Schedule a skin cancer screening with the Florida Academic Dermatology Center today!
If you are an individual who resides in the area of Short Hills, NJ and are interested in scheduling a screening appointment with our associates, we strongly encourage you to book a consultation. Call (973) 232-6245 today to request a visit at 636 Morris Turnpike, Suite 2H.