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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – It’s crazy how something as warm, beautiful, and necessary as the sun could potentially cause you harm. Skin cancer, a disease directly related to environmental factors like sun exposure, is one of the most common forms of cancer. As it can be contracted no matter what your age or health status, dermatologists warn patients to protect themselves, be aware of changes to the skin, and get screenings regularly.
How can you safeguard yourself against skin cancer? By knowing what to look for. Fortunately, unlike other cancers, skin cancer is easy to detect as long as you’re in tune with your body. A self-assessment on a regular basis can let you know if and when it may be time to seek out the expertise of professionals like Dr. Chris Stroud, a board certified dermatologist.
Check Yourself
Self-examinations are the first recommendation for detecting skin cancer. After taking a shower, take the time to look at the skin all over your body (trying doing this at least once a month). As you can get it in areas that aren’t exposed to sunlight, you want to make sure you check everywhere. A significant other can help to check places you can’t see on your own. If you notice changes to the skin, bumps, or anything out of the ordinary scheduling a dermatologist appointment is advised.
What to Look For?
So should you be concerned about every discoloration, bump, or scar you see on your body? The answer is no. There are some attributes that you can consider when determining if you could potentially have skin cancer. If you notice any of the following, don’t prolong a trip to the skin specialist:
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A mole that suddenly appears
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A mole that changes shape or looks different from other moles on your body
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A growth in the shape of a dome
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Dry, scaly patches of skin
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A sore that won’t heal or keeps coming back
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A streak underneath the nail bed (black or brown)
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A mole that changes, itches, or bleeds
These are just a few of the signs to look out for. However, if you’re frequently in the sun or notice things about your skin that are constantly changing it is best to see a dermatologist for further tests and diagnosis.
Other Things to Keep in Mind
Another thing worth pointing out is that just like other types of cancer, not everyone with skin cancer is going to feel sick. There may not be any fevers, pain, or changes in their health other than the suspicious mole or spot. There may be no lumps, pain, bleeding, or itchiness, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get help. The longer you wait the worse it could get as cancer can spread and grow to other parts of the body making it harder to treat.
Finding a Dermatologist
You want to find a dermatologist that is right for you. Someone who has the educational training medical experience, and know-how to make sure that you’re healthy and cancer-free. As this is not a specialist people see often, here are some qualities to look out for.
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Educational background
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Certifications and licensing
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Customer reviews and satisfaction
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Types of services offered
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Affordability (or accepts your insurance)
Though highly treatable, skin cancer isn’t something you want to develop. Though arming yourself against the sun’s harmful rays is the best advice, if you’ve spotted something wrong get to a dermatologist right away. They can complete a visual assessment and a biopsy, if necessary, to determine whether or not you have skin cancer and if so, what the best course of action is.