What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells. The two most common types of skin cancer—basal and squamous cell carcinoma—are very curable, but can cause skin damage and may be expensive to treat. The third most common type of skin cancer is melanoma, which is the most dangerous and deadly. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, both natural and artificial, causes the majority of skin cancer cases.
Who is Most Susceptible to Skin Cancer?
Anyone can get skin cancer, but it’s more often found in people who:
- Spend a lot of time in the sun or have a history of sunburns
- Have a history of indoor tanning
- Have light skin, hair, and eyes
- Have a family member with skin cancer
Also, if you have precancerous skin lesions or abnormal moles, it can increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Dr. Bingham can examine and diagnose these as well, and he can ensure that you know what to look for to detect potentially cancerous lesions.
What Does Skin Cancer Look Like?
Skin cancer primarily develops on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun, including your:
- Face and lips
- Scalp, ears, and neck
- Chest
- Arms and hands
- Legs
Skin cancer can also sometimes develop in areas that don't get much sun, such as:
- Your palms
- The soles of your feet
- Underneath your nails
- Your genital area
For those with darker skin, skin cancer is more likely to be found on these nonexposed areas.
What Should I Look for to Detect Possible Skin Cancer?
Not all skin cancers look the same, and a change in your skin is the most common sign of skin cancer. However, the ABCDEs of melanoma is a general guide for remembering what to watch out for:
- A for asymmetrical
- B for border (irregular or jagged edges)
- C for color (uneven coloring)
- D for diameter
- E for evolving
While self-screening is a good idea, it’s important to talk to Dr. Bingham if you notice any of these signs or any changes to your skin. He can offer expert diagnosis and provide further testing if necessary. When skin cancer is caught early, treatment is more likely to work well, so don’t wait: Call or book a skin cancer screening online today at Coastal Hills Dermatology.
