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VBeam Perfecta Laser: Versatile Dermatology Treatment
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Look at your skin. Do you have a mole or a spot that you're worried about? You're not alone. Every day, I see patients who worry they might have skin cancer. While some people seek professional advice right away, others tend to procrastinate. When it comes to skin cancer, early diagnosis is crucial to improving your outcome, so if in doubt, get your spot checked out by a board-certified dermatologist.
May marks Skin Cancer Awareness Month. With approximately 3.5 million skin cancers diagnosed in the U.S. each year, it's important to stay vigilant. Melanoma alone is expected to account for 144,860 diagnoses in 2018. There are more cases of skin cancer than breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancers combined.
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, capable of being life-threatening. However, the good news is that early diagnosis often leads to complete cures. Surprisingly, melanoma is the most common cancer for young adults aged 25-29. Around 75% of skin cancer deaths are attributed to melanoma. Of the three most common skin cancers, melanoma is the one most likely to be fatal.
Recent advances in treatment have led to cures even in patients with metastatic melanoma, or melanoma that has spread to other parts of the body. Many melanomas develop de novo (from a new spot), but some may arise from pre-existing moles. This makes regular self-checks essential to identify new or changing spots.
In addition to melanoma, there are two other main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
BCC often appears as a non-healing sore or crusted bump. It can also look like a red patch, sometimes misdiagnosed as dry skin or eczema. Fortunately, BCC is less likely to spread, and treatment typically involves minor in-office surgical procedures.
SCC can appear as firm, red nodules or flat lesions with a scaly surface. Like BCC, it usually occurs in areas exposed to the sun, but it carries a higher risk of spreading if left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to avoiding complications.
Most skin cancers have a genetic component, but excessive sun and UV exposure—especially from tanning beds—is a major contributing factor. Preventing skin cancer requires:
Additionally, I recommend checking your skin once a month to monitor any changes in moles or spots.
Regular skin checks are easy, quick, and essential. Compared to other screenings, like colonoscopies, a skin check is much less invasive. Catching skin cancer early is crucial for successful treatment and long-term health.
Luckily, most skin cancer diagnoses have a happy ending when caught early. If you have any concerns about a mole or spot, or if it's been a while since your last full-body skin check, please call my office at 925-838-4900 to schedule an appointment.
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