
Skin cancer can affect anyone: people with light or dark skin, older adults or teens, men and women. According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, although the exact number of cases is unknown because cancer registries do not track all cases. It’s crucial to know the risk factors involved in skin cancer in order to seek screening and treatment options if you should develop the disease.
Providers at Altru Cancer Center are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of skin cancer. Our team works collaboratively to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your individual needs. Altru Cancer Center providers also have access to experts at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic through the Mayo Clinic Care Network, giving you access to advanced cancer treatments and, in some cases, eliminating the need for you to travel far from home.
The most common types of skin cancer include:
While many cancers are inevitable, skin cancer can often be prevented. Only a few risk factors cannot be prevented, such as family history and physical characteristics. But most skin cancer cases are caused by UV radiation.
Here is what you can do to be proactive against skin cancer:
Skin cancer will appear as a change in the appearance of a mole or skin lesion. It may also develop as a new skin growth or nonhealing sore.
To help detect melanoma, look out for the ABCDEs of skin cancer:
You can do your part to monitor for skin cancer. Regular skin self-exams using the ABCDEs of melanoma can help you catch any cancerous moles. If you see anything of concern, especially changes in a mole, itching or bleeding, reach out to your primary care physician or a dermatologist. Never diagnose yourself or attempt treatment on your own. Although online images of cancer growths can help you while doing a skin self-exam, your healthcare provider can confirm a diagnosis and recommend next steps of treatment.
Early treatment of skin cancer could save your life. Most cases of nonmelanoma cancer can be treated effectively. Melanoma, when caught early, can also be curable.
Here are some common treatments recommended for skin cancer:
Recovery will be based on your individual circumstances and treatment. After treatment, you will have several follow-up appointments with your physician to monitor your progress and check for possible side effects from treatment. You may need to visit your physician from every three months to once a year.
Since patients recovering from skin cancer are more likely to get the disease again, a physician will guide you on how to reduce your risk. This could include examining your skin for any changes, having further screenings, and continued protection of your skin from the sun.
The oncology experts at Altru can help you navigate all of our services for skin cancer. Call 701.780.5400 to speak with someone on our team.
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