Skin Cancer
Although skin cancers usually occur in areas of the body that have gotten a lot of sun over the years, they can occur anywhere on the body including the scalp, soles of the feet, and in the genital area. There are several different kinds of skin cancer including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell
carcinoma skin cancers can appear as small flesh-colored to pink/ pearly bumps, whitish pink scar-like plaques, or even pink scaly patches that can mimic eczema.
Although basal cells will not metastasize to the inside of the body, they can grow larger and invade deeper which can lead to disfigurement the face.
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/basal-cell-carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma skin cancers can appear as firm scaly bumps or pink patches and can also be mistaken for eczema. If left untreated, squamous cell
carcinomas of the skin could spread to other areas.
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/squamous-cell-carcinoma
Melanomas are the most dangerous of the skin cancers. Melanomas can spread to internal organs and therefore, early detection and removal is imperative. This
reminds us of the importance of keeping up with your annual full body skin exam. Periodic self skin exams are important as some melanoma patients noticed a
changing or new mole. However, despite self exams, many had no idea they had a worrisome spot until seeing the dermatologist for a full body skin exam. Although
most melanomas are darkly pigmented, they don’t have to be…. there are even pink melanomas. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/melanoma
A board-certified dermatologist has the training necessary to expertly examine your moles and determine if any are worrisome and also examine for the other types of skin cancers as well.
We Can Help
If you are concerned that you may have a skin cancer or if you would like a skin exam to check for skin cancers, schedule an appointment today with our experts at Renew Dermatology.
