Screening for Skin Cancer is key in early detection.
There are three major types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.
- Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. One in five people are expected to develop at least one basal cell carcinoma during their lifetime. Basal cell carcinomas are characterized by translucent, pearly growths that may crust, ulcerate, or bleed. This type of skin cancer is usually not life-threatening, but it is destructive to the affected tissue and can become disfiguring.
- Squamous cell carcinomas are similar in appearance to basal cell carcinomas, but they are more aggressive. On rare occasions, this type of skin cancer can go internally, so patients who have had squamous cell carcinomas are usually monitored closely after treatment to ensure that there is no evidence of persistence or recurrence.
- Malignant melanoma is a potentially life-threatening form of skin cancer that can arise from an existing mole or, more often, from normal skin. Warning signs for this particular type of skin cancer are pigmented lesions that are asymmetrical in shape; have irregular, scalloped, or jagged edges; are more than one color such as black, blue or brown; show unusual thickening; and dramatic growth (doubling or tripling in size in only a few months. Melanoma is almost 100% curable if it is diagnosed early.
The most effective method in the prevention of skin cancer is to wear sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days. Additionally, if you have many moles, visiting a dermatologist can help in early detection of skin cancer. During your consult, Dr. Daoud and her team will conduct a full exam to document and determine if your moles are of concern.