Skin cancer can impact Charlotte, NC residents of all ages and all skin colors. In fact, it is estimated that one out of every five people will be diagnosed with skin cancer at some point in their lives. With odds like that, knowing what to look for as well as how it is treated and was to protect yourself, is important. While some people see skin cancer as a cancer type that is fairly easy to treat and not deadly, that is not true. Left alone, it can spread throughout your body and melanoma is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, fatal if not caught early.
What to look for
Residents should be sure to check themselves for signs of skin cancer regularly. Consider visiting a dermatologist at least yearly to help you keep an eye out for areas of concern. Here’s how to perform a self-exam in the meantime.
- Use a full-size mirror to examine your body, especially the back where you can’t see yourself.
- Inspect under your arms, your palms, and forearms.
- Sit down and inspect your legs, the soles of your feet, and even between your toes.
- Grab a hand mirror to inspect your neck and scalp.
- Use that same mirror to look for signs of skin cancer on your back and butt.
As you perform your skin cancer self-exam, you should keep an eye out for moles that are irregularly shaped, are larger than six millimeters, are changing colors, and have experienced a change in shape.
If you see something you are concerned may it be cancer, make an appointment with a dermatologist right away. They will determine if it is cancerous, and if so, start treatment right away. Treatment will vary depending on the type of skin cancer you have but can include:
- Removing the mole
- Surgery
- Laser treatments
- Topical medications
- Referring you to an oncologist for additional care
Contact Dermatology Specialists of Charlotte, Charlotte’s top Ballantyne and Blakeney Dermatologist, for your dermatology care.