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The process of detecting skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in
the United States, can be practiced with a monthly self examination
combined with a yearly visit to your doctor. Early detection is key
because, if diagnosed soon enough, skin cancer is almost always
curable.
There are three main types of skin cancer, all of which are visible if
you know what to look for. Melanoma, one of the main forms of skin
cancer, is the deadliest. This disease is the most difficult to stop
after it has spread throughout the body, which is why early detection
and treatment are crucial. Skin cancer, of any kind, can usually be
treated with success in it’s early stages.
As individuals, everyone has freckles, birthmarks and moles. These are
a part of you and you are used to seeing them, but you may not notice
slight changes right away and that’s what you need to be watching for.
Any change in a mole’s shape, edges, size or color should be checked by
a physician. If a mole becomes larger than that of a pencil eraser or
if it’s color is multiple shades of brown rather than a solid color,
these are both potential warning signs of skin cancer. A mole’s border
should be well defined and, if that is no longer the case, notify your
doctor. In addition, any sore that will not heal or a mole that grows
larger at a rapid speed should be tested immediately.
Deciding to seek medical attention is difficult. For this reason, it’s
best to choose a physician that you are comfortable with, such as a
family doctor. He/she can examine your skin and refer you to a
dermatologist if needed. The presence of skin cancer is determined by
removing all, or part, of the questionable area and testing it with a
microscope. Surgery is often utilized in the removal of ski cancer and,
if done in the early stages, can be a very quick process. There will
likely be a scar, but the physician may be able to completely remove
all cancerous cells with only a very small incision.
If the cancer has spread, or is very large in the defined area,
additional surgery may be required. In that case, chemotherapy or
radiation treatments may be ordered to ensure the cancer is completely
removed. Your physician will be able to answer all questions that you
may have and should do so without reserve. When meeting with a doctor,
ask for an explanation of all treatment options, including their
likelihood for success in your particular case. Deciding to seek
medical attention is a big step and one that a patient must be mentally
prepared for.
This article should not be construed as professional medical advice. If
you, or someone that you know, is concerned about the possibility of
cancer, you should seek medical attention immediately. A medical doctor
can discuss various options, prevention and treatment possibilities
should the presence of cancer be detected. A series of tests may be
conducted in order to confirm, or rule out, any such diagnosis and can
only be done by a medical doctor. |