Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. It is a disease that affects the body’s skin cells as a result of damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun and/or tanning beds. The epidermis, the outside layer of the skin, contains three types of cells: squamous cells, basal cells and melanocytes. This is where the names of the forms of skin cancer come from: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
What To Watch For
- Asymmetry- if you draw a line through a mole and the two sides do not match
- Border- Irregular Edges
- Evolving- Changes in size, shape, or color
- Elevated Growth with Central Depression
- Elevated Growth with Central Depression
- Color- A variety of colors which may include brown, tan, black, red, white, and blue
- Open Sore Similar to a Pimple
- Red Patch
- Pink Hard Growth
- Diameter- Larger than a pencil eraser but may be smaller if found early
- Scaly Red Patches
- Open Sores
- "pearly" Bump
Schedule a Skin Cancer Screening
If you have concerns with the health of your skin or need further information on Skin Cancer types, treatment, or prevention, please feel welcome to call High Valley Dermatology.
