What Doctors Want You to Know About Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer Doctors’ Tips
Skin cancer is a prevalent yet highly treatable condition, particularly when detected early. In fact, skin cancer is the #1 most common form of cancer in America – even in less sunny northern areas, like the Troy, MI area.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more than 5 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer are treated in the US annually. And the American Cancer Society estimates deaths from skin cancer range between 2,000 and 8,000 annually in the US. Most of these deaths are attributed to melanoma – with the American Academy of Dermatology estimating that approximately 1 million people in the US are living with melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.
The good news that skin cancer doctors want you to know is that, when detected early, skin cancer has very high cure rates.
The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that nonmelanoma skin cancers, when caught early, have a cure rate of nearly 95%! And The American Cancer Society reveals that the 5-year survival rate for melanoma IF detected early (before it has spread) is almost 99%.
So, as you can see, early detection is crucial for maximizing the cure rate for skin cancer. That is why leading skin cancer doctor in the Troy, MI area, Dr. Ali emphasizes the importance of awareness, regular screening, and early treatment to ensure the best outcomes for patients.
Types of Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer. It typically arises in areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face and neck. BCC grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body, making it highly treatable when caught early.
Skin cancer doctors typically report the early signs of BCC to include pearly or waxy bumps, flat, flesh-colored, or brown scars, and bleeding or scabbing sores that heal and return.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer. Skin cancer doctors often find SCC on sun-exposed areas of the body, including the ears, face, and hands. Symptoms include firm, red nodules, or flat lesions with a scaly, crusted surface.
But Squamous Cell Carcinoma can be more aggressive than Basal Cell Carcinoma and may spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body if not treated by a skin cancer doctor promptly.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer due to its ability to spread rapidly to other organs. It can develop anywhere on the body, even in areas not frequently exposed to the sun.
Early detection and treatment by a skin cancer doctor is crucial for successful treatment. The “ABCDE Rule” helps identify melanoma:
- Asymmetry,
- Border irregularity,
- Color variations,
- Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and
- Evolving (changing) over time.
Prognosis
While skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, the prognosis for skin cancer varies by type and stage at diagnosis. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 5.4 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancers are treated each year. Melanoma, while less common, is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths.
Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma have high cure rates when detected early. The five-year survival rate for melanoma patients, when caught in its earliest stages, is approximately 99%, but this rate drops significantly if the cancer is not promptly treated by a skin cancer doctor and has been allowed spread.
Doctors Tips to Prevent Skin Cancer
Many people believe that living in an area with less sun (like Troy, MI) and or staying inside most of the time means you don’t have to worry about skin cancer. Doctors want you to know that this is not true!
Even occasional sun exposure, or sun damage from long ago can make one susceptible to skin cancer. Doctors also report that the suns harmful UV rays can penetrate glass under certain circumstances – including car, office, and household windows. And the sun’s harmful rays are still sneaking through and pummeling skin cells on cloudy and overcast days in Troy, MI!
So, preventing skin cancer – even in Troy, MI – involves protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure year-round! Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher any time you are in sunlight – and reapply every two hours, or after swimming or perspiring. Wear protective clothing, try to stay indoors between peak hours of 10am and 4 pm, and ALWAYS avoid tanning beds.
Skin Cancer Doctor Screening
Regularly examine your skin for new or changing lesions. Skin cancer doctors recommend that you do this monthly with a full-length mirror and a handheld mirror to vie hard-to-see-places (like the back and back of the neck). You should also see a doctor for annual skin checks – or anytime you notice a suspicious lump, bump, mole, or discoloration that is either new, or changing.
Regular screenings by a skin cancer doctor can lead to early detection, significantly increasing the chances of successful treatment. During a skin exam, a skin cancer doctor can carefully check your skin for any suspicious lesions and may perform a biopsy on any areas of concern. Board certified Troy, MI area plastic surgeon Dr. Ali he will be happy to offer you a consultation to look at any irregularities on your skin and discuss your skin cancer removal options if needed.
How Doctors Treat Skin Cancer
Treatment for skin cancer varies based on the type, size, and location of the cancer. Options include surgical removal, Mohs surgery (a precise technique for removing skin cancer layer by layer), cryotherapy (freezing), topical medications, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies.
Dr. Ali’s training and expertise as a board-certified Troy, MI area plastic surgeon ensures that the chosen treatment provides the best possible results with minimal scarring.
Top Skin Cancer Doctor | Troy, MI
The bottom line is that skin cancer doctors want you to know that skin cancer is a very common and serious (even fatal) disease that is highly when detected early. Regular screenings, awareness of symptoms, and preventive measures are key to managing skin cancer risk.
Dr. Ali is a top skin cancer doctor in the Troy, MI area, who is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for skin cancer patients, from prevention and screening to treatment and follow-up.
If you live in the greater troy, MI area and have concerns about your skin, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ali for an evaluation to catch any potential issues early, so you can live a long and beautiful life!
