Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. It can be serious, which is why early diagnosis is important. Our dermatologist Dr. Cary Ann Jenkins of Morris Dermatology and Joliet Dermatology in Morris and Joliet, IL is an expert at the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.

Causes of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is often caused by sun exposure to unprotected skin. Certain medications can also make you more prone to skin cancer. If you have a family history of skin cancer, it may mean you are genetically more likely to develop skin cancer too.

Types of Skin Cancer

There are three main types of skin cancer:

• Squamous cell carcinoma, which occurs in the squamous cells on the surface of the skin
• Basal cell carcinoma, which occurs in the basal cells, in the deeper layers of the skin
• Melanoma, which occurs in melanocytes and is the most aggressive form of skin cancer

Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is frequently found in abnormal moles or non-healing areas of the skin. Signs and symptoms of skin cancer include:

• Large moles, with a diameter larger than 6 millimeters
• Irregularly shaped moles, with poorly defined borders
• Asymmetrical moles, with a lack of uniformity on each side
• Oozing, itching, or bleeding moles
• Recurrent moles which come back after the previous removal
• Open sores that don’t heal or bleed easily
• New or changing skin growths

Diagnosis of Skin Cancer

Our dermatologist will perform a comprehensive skin exam and take a small sample of tissue or remove an abnormal mole. The tissue or mole will be biopsied to check for cancerous cells.

Treatment of Skin Cancer

Abnormal skin cancer cells are usually removed surgically. Other treatments for skin cancer include cryosurgery, curettage, radiation, chemotherapy, and Mohs surgery.

Prevention of Skin Cancer

To prevent skin cancer, the easiest, most effective thing you can do is apply sunscreen before you go outside. Use sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30. SPF 50 should be used if you have light skin or sunburn easily. Try to avoid being out in the sun during the hours of 10 AM to 4 PM, when UV rays are the most damaging.

Want To Know More?

To learn more about the prevention, signs, symptoms, and treatment of skin cancer, call our dermatologist Dr. Cary Ann Jenkins of Morris Dermatology and Joliet Dermatology in Morris and Joliet, IL. You can reach her in Morris, IL, by calling (815) 941-5160, or in Joliet, IL, by calling (815) 666-1742, so call today.