The most common type of cancer to affect adult Americans annually is skin cancer. One of the best ways to overcome any type of cancer is to discover it right away while it’s in the early stages. Skin cancer can be detected early on when you know what signs to look for. Dr. Sharon Horton, the experienced dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology and Mohs Surgery in Batavia, IL, performs skin cancer screenings and can help you learn to recognize the signs of skin cancer.

Skin Cancer Signs

There are many different types of skin cancer and each is associated with specific symptoms. Some of the common warning signs of three main types of cancer are as follows:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma — Signs include irregularly shaped blisters or blemishes that crust over or bleed and do not heal. In some cases, the eyelashes can fall out as well.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma — Signs include small red or white bumps on the skin, as well as shiny or why patches. Symptoms often first develop on the face.
• Malignant Melanoma — Common warning signs include changes in the appearance of existing moles, such as a change in the color, size, or shape of a particular mole.

Any unusual changes in your skin could be an indication of possible skin cancer. For example, the sudden development of new moles could be due to cancer. If you observe any unusual changes in your skin, see the skilled dermatologist at our practice in Batavia for a skin cancer screening.

Treatments for Skin Cancer

Several methods can be used to treat skin cancer, including cryosurgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or curettage and desiccation. Another treatment approach is Mohs Surgery, which is a highly effective method for removing cancerous skin cells while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. The surgery involves mapping out the area of skin affected by cancer and then removing cancerous cells in layers. This approach helps minimize the damage or removal of healthy skin tissue, which can occur when removing cancer.

When you know the signs of skin cancer you can more easily identify symptoms right away if they develop. Early detection is extremely helpful when it comes to fighting cancer. The sooner skin cancer is identified, the sooner treatment can begin to stop the cancer from spreading. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Horton to undergo a screening for skin cancer by calling Advanced Dermatology and Mohs Surgery in Batavia, IL at (630) 482-3700.