Skin cancer is among the cancers which are hard to diagnose until you develop sores, as cancer has subtle symptoms. For instance, what you consider a normal mole or skin blemish might be cancer. A dermatologist might determine if the skin changes indicate the development of skin cancer in Glen Allen. Thus you should not miss the annual skin checks. However, you may not need to rely on the dermatologist to know you have skin cancer. Here are ways to identify and treat skin cancer.
Identify the Changing Moles
You should inspect moles for signs of cancer even if you have had moles all your life. Normal moles will look the same over the years, but those which morph into skin cancers will change in size, shape, and color. For instance, the normal moles will appear symmetrical, while moles that indicate underlying cancer will be asymmetrical.
Cancerous moles will have changing borders, and the color might change from time to time. Moreover, cancerous moles might retain fluids or have a sunk midsection. Cancerous moles will not remain the same, and it is better to inspect old and new moles for signs of cancer. You can let your loved ones inspect the moles in places like the back, as they would be hard to see without the help of a third party.
Visit a Dermatologist
Although you would think the skin moles or blemishes are normal, you need to see a dermatologist to get an early diagnosis. Even if your dermatologist does not think the moles would be the signs of cancer, they may ask you to note any changes and visit the facility frequently for thorough checks. The dermatologist will opt for a biopsy exam if the skin moles seem cancerous, as the biopsy indicates the presence of cancer cells.
How to Prevent Skin Cancer
Sometimes skin cancer may occur to hereditary factors, which are inevitable, but mostly it is related to environmental factors. Thus, you may need to avoid staying in the sun mid-day when the sun’s rays are intense. Moreover, you may use sunscreen when working in the sun for an extended time. The sunscreen prevents sun damage which causes fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.
Moreover, skin cancer seems hereditary, and if your family members have developed the condition, there is a possibility of getting cancer. Thus, you should screen the skin frequently if you are prone to cancer. You should not overlook changing moles and blemishes, especially if other family members have developed cancer.
Avoid harmful products which predispose the skin to cancer. You may need to check the ingredient list for almost all the skin care products you use as carcinogenic products expose you to cancer.
Skin cancer is hard to detect as it is painless, and you would not know you have cancer if you don’t get the right diagnosis. You may wish to check for changing moles and skin blemishes as cancer becomes a mole first before developing into a sore. Sometimes a biopsy will tell if you have cancer or not, but the dermatologist will inspect the moles physically first before recommending the biopsy. You can also prevent skin cancer by avoiding UV rays and using sunscreen whenever possible.
