Getting your skin checked regularly for skin cancer can save your life. Learn how to identify skin cancer and know when you need treatment. Whether you need a biopsy or surgery, it’s important to know what to expect. Dr. Farhaad Riyaz can find skin cancer at its earliest stage and might surgically dispose of those lesions with ability and precision.
Preventing skin cancer
Using skin cancer screening and surgery to prevent skin cancer can be a good thing. Most types of skin cancer are curable when found early. However, it is possible to develop skin cancer at any age. This disease can spread to other areas of the body. It can also cause disfigurement and even death.
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Unlike basal cell and squamous cell cancers, melanomas can spread to other parts of the body. When they are treated early, melanoma has a cure rate of almost 100%. However, if it is not treated, melanoma can spread to the lungs and other vital organs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is part of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). CDC supports Comprehensive Cancer Control Programs (CCCP) in states. It also works with state and local governments, faith-based organizations, health care providers and the business community to prevent skin cancer.
Diagnosing skin cancer
Identifying skin cancer with skin cancer screening and surgery can help prevent the spread of the disease and reduce the chances of a recurrence. The key is to detect cancer at an early stage, so that it can be treated successfully.
One of the ways that doctors detect skin cancer is through biopsy. This is a minor surgical procedure that involves removing a sample of skin and looking at it under a microscope. The pathologist then determines whether there are cancer cells in the sample. This can help identify whether the cancer is melanoma or another type of skin cancer.
The type of skin cancer that you have will determine what treatment you receive. Depending on the stage of your cancer, your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure to remove the cancer and any surrounding tissue.
There are three main types of skin cancer, basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma. Basal cell is the most common type of cancer and it usually does not spread.
Treatment options
Depending on the size and type of skin cancer, there are several treatment options. These options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Choosing the best treatment is a personal decision.
The first step is to consult with your doctor. They will help you understand the skin cancer diagnosis and determine the best treatment options. They will also discuss the potential side effects of treatment. They will recommend clinical trials if they feel they are appropriate for you. You will then make the final decision on whether to participate in the trial.
The most common treatment option for skin cancer is surgery. Surgery involves the removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue. Your doctor may recommend chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy. These treatments can be used to treat cancers that are locally spread or those that have spread to other parts of the body.
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Medications may be used directly on the skin or taken intravenously. The main side effects include rashes and diarrhea.
Getting familiar with your skin
Getting familiar with your skin before skin cancer screening and surgery can be a critical step in reducing your risk of developing skin cancer. It can also help you avoid the pain and discomfort associated with treatment. It can also prevent disfigurement and even prevent death.
In addition to regular self-exams, it is important to consult with your doctor about skin changes and possible skin cancer. If your skin begins to look suspicious, you should report it immediately. You may be offered a biopsy to check for skin cancer. You also should be alert for changes in pigmented areas, such as freckles, blotches, and moles. It’s also important to check your scalp and back of your neck.
The American College of Preventive Medicine recommends that adults should have regular clinical skin exams to detect skin cancer at the earliest possible stages. These exams are performed by your primary healthcare provider or a dermatologist.
The American Academy of Dermatology offers a body mole map to help people get familiar with the different areas of their body. It also teaches how to conduct skin examinations.
