Catch Skin Cancer and Receive Treatment with a NYC Dermatologist

Skin cancer is when there is “an abnormal growth of skin cells.” This health condition usually occurs when one’s skin is exposed too long to the sun. However, this kind of cancer can also develop in areas of the skin that are not exposed to the sun. There are three types of skin cancer: squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. With any kind of cancer, especially skin cancer, early detection is important. When it comes to skin cancer there are certain signs that will let you know if you’re developing skin cancer. One early sign of skin cancer is the shape of a mole or blemish. If a mole or blemish is not an even shape, then this may suggest skin cancer. Another sign that a mole or blemish is skin cancer is the color. If you have a mole or blemish that has an unusual color to it or if the color is uneven, then this may also be a sign. Some say that if you see a mole that has a red and blue color, you should see a doctor immediately. Size is another early indication of skin cancer. Large moles can also be a sign of skin cancer, especially if the skin condition continues to grow. Another early sign of skin cancer is the way a mole grows. A cancerous mole will have an irregular shape and look unusual. Normal looking moles are often smooth and regular in their appearance. Another important thing to keep in mind with suspicious moles is if you notice a mole that keeps changing. Normal looking moles don’t change in size, color or shape. If you notice any unusual changes in color, size or shape, talk with your doctor or NYC dermatologist. It is important to note that skin cancer can be on any area of the body; however, it is usually found on a person’s face, neck, scalp, ears, lips, hands, arms and legs. In addition, skin cancer can also show up underneath your nails, around your toes and around the genital area. Melanoma is the most dangerous of skin cancers and that is why it is important to know the risks for this kind of cancer: if you have had sunburns at an early age, you get sunburned easily, you have fair skin, someone in your family has had malignant melanoma and your immune system has been low for awhile.