Living in California, it's hard to escape exposure to the sun and its harmful ultraviolet rays no matter how many precautions you take. Knowing the signs of skin cancer can help catch problems early, leading to the least invasive treatment and best outcome possible.
Dr. Carmelo Plateroti and our talented team at Plateroti Dermatology in Templeton, California, provide a specialized combination of dermatologic and aesthetic treatments to meet all your skincare needs.
Whether it's a health concern like skin cancer or a desire to look your best, we use our collective 30-plus years of experience along with our unique knowledge of medical and integrative treatments for protocols that are cutting-edge and individualized to you and your situation.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer both in the United States and around the world. Not only that, more Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year than all other kinds of cancer put together. With multiple types of skin cancer on the rise, it's more important than ever to know the signs.
There are three primary kinds of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Each has its own appearance and symptoms.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common. Lesions can look like pink growths, shiny bumps, red patches or scars. Sometimes it presents as an open sore and might ooze, bleed, or crust. Itching is possible as well.
The second most frequent kind of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma can appear as a firm, red nodule, a scaly red patch or skin that is rough, thick or looks wart-like. It too could be an open sore and may bleed, crust, or itch.
Melanoma is less common than basal and squamous cell carcinoma accounting for only about 1% of all skin cancers, but it is more dangerous because it can spread quickly if not caught early. Therefore, knowing the signs for this type of skin cancer is even more critical.
It can appear as a mole, raised bump, scaly patch, or open sore, and experts have come up with the memory device "ABCDE" to help people remember what signs to bear in mind.
Asymmetry in a growth is when each half is not the same as the other, and Border refers to the edges being jagged rather than smooth. Color refers to anything that is mottled or a combination of brown, black, red, white, or gray, serving as a warning. Diameter (i.e., anything larger than the top of a pencil eraser) should be evaluated as should anything that is Evolving and either new or changing in shape, size, or color.
In addition, any bump, rash, sore, or other change to the skin that doesn't go away should be checked out.
The good news when it comes to skin cancer is that you can take steps to be proactive. Wear sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, and avoid the sun when it's strongest in the middle of the day.
If you have noticed a bump, rash, sore or other change to your skin, be sure to get a professional diagnosis. Click our contact button, or call our office at 805-434-2526 today to make an appointment.
