Early diagnosis helps successful treatment of skin cancers
Residents of San Diego are blessed with sunshine for most of the year, but for people in colder areas, the summer sunshine is most welcome. However, as you step out into the summer sun, do not forget your protective measures against the damaging UV rays that cause skin cancers.
Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma are the three most common forms of skin cancer. The first is the most common type, affecting one in five Americans. Melanoma is the most dangerous.
Early diagnosis goes a long way in successfully treating skin cancers. Check your skin regularly for anything unusual. What you should look out for:
- New moles or lumps
- Moles that change in size
- Moles with surfaces that are rough, scaly, or have ulcers
- Itching or tingling moles
- Bleeding or weeping moles
- Pimples that don’t heal
- Flaky spots that don’t go away
- Spots that look different from other
- Spots that change color from brown to black etc.
- Spots that become raised or develop lumps inside
Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Amanda Lloyd of Skin and Vein Institute in Encinitas, CA has successfully diagnosed and treated many skin cancer patients. Call (760) 642-6674 or email [email protected] to book an appointment with her if you are worried about anything unusual on your skin.
