Skin Cancer
The best defense against any type of skin cancer is finding and treating it early - and the best way to monitor skin changes is through annual whole body screenings. Midwest Medical Specialists highly recommends these annual exams.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
accounts for more than 90 percent of all skin cancers in the United States. It is a highly treatable, slow-growing cancer that seldom spreads to other parts of the body. It usually appears as a small, fleshy bump or nodule - mainly on the areas exposed to the sun, such as the head, neck, arms, hands, and face.
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| Skin cancer lesions may resemble pimples or other skin irritations - but generally do not heal; or they may heal and continue to return. Photo courtesy of: DR P. MARAZZI / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY |
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
is more aggressive than basal cell, but it is highly treatable. It may appear as nodules, or as red, scaly patches of skin. It may appear as nodules, or as red, scaly patches of skin. It is typically found on the rim of the ear, face, lips and mouth, however, it can be found on other parts of the body.
Melanoma
is the most serious of all skin cancer types because of the potential to spread to other parts of the body. It usually occurs on or around existing moles. Although the incidence of melanoma is lower than other types of skin cancer, it has the highest death rate and is responsible for 75 percent of all deaths from skin cancer. However, when melanoma is diagnosed early and treated, there is a 97% cure rate.
SELF-CHECKS ARE YOUR BEST DEFENSE...
Remember The ABCD's of Melanoma:
Asymmetry - One half doesn't match the other half.
Border irregularity - The edges are ragged, notched or blurred.
Color - The pigmentation is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown, and black are present. Dashes of red, white, and blue add to the mottled appearance.
Diameter - Increasing in diameter greater than six millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser). Any growth of a mole should be of concern.
For more information, visit:
www.skinancancer.org
Mohs Micrographic Surgery, an advanced treatment procedure for skin cancer, offers the highest potential for recovery - even if the skin cancer has been previously treated. Midwest Medical Specialists has three dermatologists on staff trained in this extremely precise and demanding procedure in which the physician serves as surgeon, pathologist and reconstructive surgeon.
