What Is Skin Cancer and How Can It Be Avoided?
- Posted on: Nov 15 2019
The providers at Asarch Dermatology, Laser, and Mohs Surgery in Colorado work with patients of all ages and ethnicities to help them with their medical and cosmetic concerns. One serious concern that patients need to be educated further on is that of skin cancer. Skin cancer affects the largest organ of the body, but thankfully, many cases are visible and can be intervened in the early stages.
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer is the development of cancerous cells that develop on the skin. Skin cancer can present in many different ways. The most common and serious types of skin cancer, melanoma, can be found by changes or developments of existing moles. Patients who notice changes in color, shape, and size of existing moles need to have themselves evaluated for skin cancer. A biopsy is done, during which the provider removes a section of the mole and sends it to the laboratory for further evaluation. If skin cancer is diagnosed, our team will educate patients on their options for treatment. In many situations, excision or Mohs micrographic surgery can be performed to remove the cancer. Additionally, patients who have wounds that do not heal or bleed, or new growths that develop, will want to be evaluated by a dermatologist.
How can I protect myself from skin cancer?
There are many recommendations made by our team to help reduce the risk of developing skin cancer:
- Always protect the skin when outdoors with high SPF sunblock on all exposed areas
- Avoid being outdoors between 10am and 4pm when the sun’s rays are strongest
- Do not use tanning beds
- Visit a dermatologist annually for a skin cancer screening
- Visit a dermatologist if you have changes in skin growths or moles that occur between annual screenings
Schedule your skin cancer screening today!
At Asarch Dermatology, Laser, and Mohs Surgery, we welcome new patients into our practice who are seeking screenings for skin cancer. When performed annually, many patients can catch skin cancer in the early stages and successfully recover. The dermatologists at our practice encourage patients to call (303) 761-7797 to schedule their screening, and visit us at one of our several convenient locations in Lakewood, Englewood, Castle Rock, and Holyoke, Colorado.
Posted in: Blog Post, Skin Cancer