Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, affecting one in five Americans in their lifetime. While those odds might sound scary, early detection and treatment typically result in a positive outcome. Since skin cancer is such a common condition, everyone should know a few key facts.
What Are the Warning Signs of Skin Cancer?
Common warning signs of skin cancer include:
- Atypical moles: Check for the ABCDEs of melanoma, meaning abnormal asymmetry, border, color, diameter, or evolution.
- Skin lesions: If you notice new spots that are itchy, oozing, or flaky, it’s best to have them checked by a dermatologist.
- Actinic keratosis: These scaly patches form after sun damage and can develop into squamous cell carcinoma.
If you see any of the above signs or have certain risk factors (including 50 or more moles, fair skin, or repeated sun exposure), it’s time to schedule your skin cancer screening.
What Are the Different Types of Skin Cancer?
There are three main types of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common. Fortunately, it’s also extremely treatable and has a five-year cure rate of up to 99%.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common, often appearing as thick, scaly patches. Again, this skin cancer is highly treatable, but it does grow more quickly than BCC, so it’s vital to schedule regular screenings.
Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. However, the five-year survival rate is 93%, which only goes up with earlier detection.
How Do Dermatologists Treat Skin Cancer?
Skin cancers vary in severity, so treatment approaches depend on the type. Standard skin cancer removal methods include:
- Mohs micrographic surgery
- Shave excision
- Curettage and electrodesiccation
- Cryosurgery
- Laser removal
Skin cancer removal is an outpatient procedure that’s generally performed under local anesthesia. When you visit Greater Miami Skin & Laser Center for skin cancer detection, you’re in great hands. Our providers have extensive training in diagnosing and treating skin cancer.
Schedule Your Miami Beach Skin Cancer Screening
At Greater Miami Skin & Laser Center, our skilled board-certified dermatologists, Dr. Nardo Zaizs and Dr. Martin Zaiac, have treated countless patients with skin cancer. If you’re concerned about an atypical skin lesion or mole, scheduling a skin cancer screening is the best way to take control of your health. Call 305-532-4478 to book your skin cancer screening in Miami Beach, Florida.
