How to know if you have skin cancer
Skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the United States, can be done with a monthly self-exam and yearly doctor visits. Early detection is key because, if skin cancer is diagnosed soon enough, it can almost always be cured.
There are three main types of skin cancer, and they are all visible if you know what to look for. Melanoma, which is one of the main forms of skin cancer, is the most lethal. This disease is the most difficult to stop after spreading throughout the body, which is why early detection and treatment are so important. Skin cancer of any type can usually be treated successfully in its early stages.
As individuals, everyone has freckles, birthmarks, and moles. This is a part of you and you are used to seeing it, but you may not notice subtle changes right away which is what you need to watch for. Any change in a mole's shape, edges, size, or color should be examined by a doctor. If the mole becomes larger than the eraser of a pencil or if its color is multiple shades of brown rather than a solid color, these are possible warning signs of skin cancer. The boundaries of a mole should be well defined, and if this is no longer the case, inform your doctor. Additionally, any sore that does not heal or a mole that is growing larger very quickly should be tested immediately.
It is difficult to make a decision to seek medical attention. For this reason, it is best to choose the right doctor for you, such as a family doctor. He or she can examine your skin and refer you to a dermatologist if needed. The presence of melanoma is determined by removing all or part of the suspicious area and examining it with a microscope. Surgery is often used to remove ski cancer, and if done in the early stages, it can be a very fast operation. A scar is likely to be present, but the doctor may be able to completely remove all of the cancer cells with only a very small incision.
If the cancer has spread or is very large in the designated area, additional surgery may be required. In this case, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be required to ensure the cancer is completely removed. Your doctor will be able to answer all questions you may have and you should do so without reservation. When meeting with a doctor, ask for an explanation of all treatment options, including the likelihood that they will be successful in your particular case. Deciding to seek medical attention is a huge step and one for which the patient must be mentally prepared.
This article should not be construed as professional medical advice. If you or someone you know is concerned about the possibility of developing cancer, you should seek medical attention immediately. The doctor can discuss various options, prevention, and treatment options if cancer is detected. A series of tests may be performed to confirm or exclude any such diagnosis and can only be performed by a physician.
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