Presented by Marc Scheiner, M.D., Cecil Dermatology, Elkton, MD

CecilDermatology.com
410.620.9722
@cecildermatology

Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells, which is usually caused by the sun’s harmful rays. Caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable. Skin cancer is not contagious. The type of skin cancer a person gets is determined by where the cancer begins.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. BCCs often look like a flesh-colored round growth, pearl-like bump, or a pinkish patch of skin. BCCs usually develop after years of frequent sun exposure or indoor tanning. They are common on the head, neck, and arms; however, they can form anywhere on the body, including the chest, abdomen, and legs.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer. It often looks like a red firm bump, scaly patch, or a sore that heals and then re-opens. SCC tends to form on skin that gets frequent sun exposure, such as the rim of the ear, face, neck, arms, chest, and back. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent SCC from growing deep.

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a growth that hasn’t turned into skin cancer yet, but is worth mentioning here. These dry, scaly patches or spots on the skin are also caused by too much sun. An AK is a precancerous skin growth that can turn into squamous cell carcinoma. AKs usually form on the skin that gets a lot of sun exposure, such as the head, neck, hands, and forearms. Treatment is important to prevent the AK lesion from developing into SCC.

Melanoma is often called “the most serious skin cancer” because it has the potential to spread. Melanoma can develop within a mole that you already have on your skin or appear suddenly as a dark spot on the skin that looks different from the rest. Knowing the ABCDE warning signs can help you find an early melanoma – check for Asymmetry, Borders, Color, Diameter, and Evolution.

If you see any new growths on your skin, or growths you’ve had for a long time are growing or changing, schedule a visit for an evaluation with your primary care doctor or dermatologist. Allowed to grow, skin cancer can grow deep into the skin and sometimes penetrate the nerves and bones, causing damage and disfigurement. Early detection and treatment is the key to the best outcomes.

Book Your Screening Today! Skin Cancer Screening is Important ALL YEAR – there’s no wrong time to screen.

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