Two Things You Need To Learn About Skin Cancer

Posted on: 10 March 2018

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Skin cancer is more common than many people think. In fact, there are many people who are walking around with suspicious moles and patches of skin without even realizing that they are at risk for full blown skin cancer. Skin cancer is an important kind of cancer to find early. If you can find it when it is still localized in the mole or patch of skin, then the treatment can be incredibly simple, but if it goes undetected for a long period of time, you put yourself at risk for it spreading throughout the body. Here are some things that you need to know about skin cancer.

1. Know What Skin Cancer Looks Like

One of the first things you need to know is what you are looking for. In many cases the origination point for the cancer will be a small mole. These moles have characteristics that can tell you if they are safe or dangerous. For example, there should always be a border around the mole, you shouldn't see it bleeding out. Moles shouldn't be changing color over time. The way they start out is the way they should stay. Additionally, be careful to make sure that the mole looks symmetrical. If you cover half of the mole it should look the same on both sides.

Moles are not the only way you can learn you have skin cancer. Another sign are patches of dry skin that don't even seem to heal. It is more than just rough dry skin, it usually has some sort of flaking coming from it. Additionally, if you have a wound that just won't heal, this could be a sign of cancer and needs to be addressed.

2. Know What To Do

If you do suspect any kind of problem with your skin, you should see a dermatologist right away. It is a good idea to meet with a dermatologist regularly, like every other year or so, just to make sure that there are no changes for your skin. This is especially the case if you have a family history of skin cancer.

If you do have skin cancer and they find it early, the dermatologist can remove it right in their office. It is has become more advanced, then you will need to see an oncologist about additional skin cancer treatments.

These are just some things that you need to know about skin cancer and what to look for and treatments.