How To Find Out If You Have Skin Cancer

     The procedure for diagnosing skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the United States, can be done by examining yourself monthly and visiting your doctor every year. Early detection is important because, if diagnosed early, skin cancer is likely to be curable.

     There are three main types of skin cancer, all of which can be seen if you know what to look for. Melanoma, one of the leading forms of skin cancer, is the most lethal. This disease is the most difficult to prevent once it has spread throughout the body, which is why it is important to diagnose and treat it early. Skin cancer, of any kind, can usually be successfully treated in the early stages.

     Like everyone else, everyone has freckles, birthmarks and moles. These are part of you and are used to seeing them, but you may not notice small changes right away and this is what you should look for. Any changes in the shape of the tumor, the edges, size or color should be evaluated by a physician. If the mole is bigger than a pencil eraser or if its color has more brown than solid color, these are both possible warning signs of skin cancer. The margin of the mole should be clearly defined and, if not, inform your doctor. In addition, any ulcer that will not heal or a fast-growing tumor should be treated immediately.

     Deciding to seek medical help is difficult. For this reason, it is best to choose a doctor who is comfortable with you, such as a family doctor. He or she may examine your skin and refer you to a dermatologist if needed. The presence of skin cancer is determined by removing all, or part of the skin, from the affected area and examining it under a microscope. Surgery is often used to remove ski cancer and, if performed in the early stages, can be a quick procedure. There may be scars, but the doctor may be able to remove all the cancerous cells with a minimal incision.

     If the cancer has spread, or if it is more severe in a specific area, additional surgery may be needed. If so, chemotherapy or radiation may be prescribed to ensure that the cancer is completely eradicated. Your doctor will be able to answer any questions you may have and will do so without hesitation. When you meet with your doctor, ask for an explanation of all the treatments, including their chances of success in your particular condition. Deciding to seek medical help is a big step and one that the patient must be mentally prepared for.

     This article should not be construed as a valid medical advice. If you, or someone you know, is worried that you may have cancer, you should seek medical attention immediately. The doctor can discuss a variety of methods, methods of prevention and treatment if the presence of cancer is detected. A series of tests can be performed to confirm, or exclude, any such diagnosis and can only be performed by a medical doctor.