At Dermassociates in Belleville, we offer the most advanced treatments for managing skin cancer. We also know the best treatment is early detection with a simple skin cancer screening.
Here’s a look at four reasons to schedule your skin cancer screening this year and every year.
More than a million Americans get skin cancer
New freckles and moles could be melanoma or the natural progression of skin cell development. Because different kinds of melanoma exist that can cause distinctive signs and symptoms, it is key to consult a skin professional after finding a symptom of skin cancer. At Dermassociates, our staff is dedicated to providing you with special care and addressing your unique concerns.
Some general signs and symptoms to look out for with moles and skin growths are:
- A flat, tan or brown lesion that looks like a scar
- A bump with a waxy or pearly appearance
- A large, brownish spot with darker flecks
- A mole that bleeds or changes in color, size, or texture
- A flat, scaly lesion
- Dark, painful lesions
- A hard, red bump
However, a simple skin screening is still your best method for detecting skin cancer early as you look for these natural laws. With many years of experience identifying appearance and skin tones, we are committed to your whole body to check for skin problems and biopsy suspicious regions in order to catch skin cancer early.
Early skin cancer treatment can save your life
Skin cancer is the abnormal development of skin cells. The three main types of skin cancer are squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Melanoma is the most severe and most deadly, but regardless of the type of skin cancer you have, early treatment is key to a trusting prognosis. This is definitely true of melanoma. If we detect you have skin cancer, we can counsel you accordingly and begin treating the skin cancer.
Most people have moles and freckles that could be cancerous
Most people have moles and freckles that could be cancerous. However, it can be difficult to tell if a mole or freckle is harmless or potentially dangerous. With skin cancer being the most common type of cancer in the United States, it’s important to take proactive steps to ensure your health and safety. One of the best ways to do this is by scheduling regular skin cancer screenings every year with a qualified physician or dermatologist.
At a skin cancer screening appointment, your physician will examine your skin for any signs of abnormal growths or lesions that could indicate skin cancer. During the visit, you’ll also receive information about preventing sun damage as well as other tips for staying healthy and protecting yourself from future harm.
No one is immune from skin cancer
It is safe to say everyone irrespective of his or her race can develop skin cancer. In reality, people of color are apt to be diagnosed at later stages of skin cancer, when treatment becomes more complex. Annual skin cancer screenings can help reduce the frequency of such occurrences.
Your risk for developing skin cancer may be greater if you have these risk factors:
- Blonde or red hair
- Blue or green eyes
- Skin that freckles or sunburns easily
- Family history of melanoma
- History of using tanning beds/machines
- History of an organ transplant
- History of sunburns, especially with blisters
- More than 50 moles
- A job or hobby that means you spend more time in the sun
At Dermassociates, we evaluate your skin and risk factors and create a personalized skin cancer screening plan.
Learn more about skin cancer screenings by scheduling an appointment by calling our office in Belleville, IL