Keeping an Eye Out For Skin Cancer

The Skin Cancer Foundation states that more than 3.3 million individuals in the U.S. alone are treated for squamous cell or basal cell carcinoma every single year. In addition, approximately 73,000 or Americans discover that they have melanoma, which is the deadliest skin cancer type.

If you suspect that that weird mole or growth may be cancer, don’t hesitate to visit Dr. Richard Cirelli here at SunWest Dermatology & Skin Cancer Treatment Center in Prescott, AZ, to find out whether or not you have skin cancer. Likewise, inspecting your body regularly for skin cancer warning signs means that you are more likely to detect it early and receive effective treatment.

Skin Cancer Warning Signs to Watch Out For

Basal Cell Carcinoma Warning Signs

This skin cancer type usually appears as an open sore, shiny nodule or bump, pinkish growth, scar-like growth, or red patch. It mostly appears on skin that is exposed to the sun like the face, neck, head, legs, arms, and chest. The thing with basal cell carcinoma is because it’s slow-growing, it’s also highly treatable when detected and treated in its earliest stages. Left untreated, however, it could burrow deep into the skin and result in extensive scarring and damage.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Warning Signs

This might present as a red and/or scaly patch, open sore, or a firm bump, usually on the head, face, neck, lower lip, ears, legs, arms, and hands. This skin cancer type is more aggressive and harder to treat than basal cell carcinomas. Aside from causing local damage, it could spread or metastasize to other body parts.

Melanoma Warning Signs

For melanoma, keep in mind the “ABCDEs” when inspecting your moles:

  • A stands for Asymmetry
  • B stands for Borders that are irregular
  • C stands for Changes in mole coloration
  • D stands for larger than usual Diameter or size
  • E stands for Evolution either in your mole’s color, shape, or size

A Crucial Note on Actinic Keratosis

Also called solar keratosis, this skin condition might be a sign of certain skin cancer types. Keratoses are scaly, raised, rough spots that appear on body areas exposed to the sun, typically in older individuals. These spots could be red or brown and seen on the face, scalp, hands, shoulders, and forearms.

Routine self-skin inspection is the most effective way to detect skin cancer during its early stages. Watch out for any bleeding, oozing, or scaling of spots or moles and seek help from your doctor here in our Prescott, AZ, office for changes in your moles or freckles and new skin growths.

For More Details or Questions About Skin Cancer, Speak to Us

Book a consultation here at SunWest Dermatology & Skin Cancer Treatment Center in Prescott, AZ, with Dr. Richard Cirelli by dialing (928) 445-7546.

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