Skin cancer should never be taken lightly. While it is typically treated with high success rates, it can lead to major problems when it is not addressed early on. Disfigurement from skin cancer can be severe. Skin cancer can become invasive, spreading to other parts of the body. Melanoma is most alarming of all. It is deadly if it isn’t caught early on. To avoid the risk of complications you can check your skin regularly. This will help you to be on the lookout for anything unusual on your skin.
What to Look For
Skin cancer could be a bump on your skin that won’t go away. You might see a waxy or shiny lump that is strange, one you never noticed before. Any spots that are scaly or refuse to heal are a warning sign. Cancerous growths on your skin may crack and bleed. They will only get worse over time. Other signs of skin cancer include any spot on your skin that changes. Pay close attention to moles. Everyone has some moles. Some people are born with them. However, it is a concern when moles show up after the age of twenty. If many moles suddenly appear, this is red flag. Watch for moles that are asymmetrical. If a mole has a ragged border or it is several different colors, it could be melanoma. Moles that become larger or change are a concern.
How Often Should You Check for Anything Suspicious on Your Skin?
You can keep an eye on your skin at least every three months, paying extra attention to your moles. If you want to be cautious, check once a month. You will need to ask someone to help you when you are trying to check your scalp and your back. You should see our dermatologist at least once a year to evaluate your skin. If you are at risk or there is a concern, our doctor will call you in more often to evaluate any spots that are suspicious. Mole mapping is a common procedure used to track any moles on your body. Our dermatologist will know if anything new has appeared.
Don’t Ignore Anything Unusual
If you have any spots that are a concern, make sure you talk to our doctor. You can never be too cautious. Our dermatologist will determine if you need a biopsy to check anything that could indicate cancer. Don’t panic if you come back with a positive diagnosis. Skin cancer can be treated in a variety of ways, including freezing it off, topical creams, or simple removal. Our dermatologist will point you in the right direction. Take care of your skin with sunscreen and protective clothing. Watch for changes and be in open communication with our doctor. If you have ever had skin cancer, be vigilant to avoid problems in the future. Skin cancer can be easily treated the earlier you catch any type of growth.
Contact Ingrid E. Trenkle, MD’s office today to schedule your consultation! We can help further educate you on skin cancer and what to be on the lookout for, as well as checking you ourselves and offering treatment if cancer is detected. We are conveniently located in Redlands and Sun City, CA.
