We’ve all heard it – skin cancer is affecting more and more people each year.  If you have lighter skin, suffered severe sunburns as a child or if you have suspicious looking moles, dermatologists recommend getting a full skin exam every single year.  Skin cancer is defined as the out of control growth of abnormal cells in a layer of the skin.  Different types of skin cancer include actinic keratosis, basal cell, squamous cell, and malignant melanoma cancers.  One in seven Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer each year; the good news is that most skin cancers can be cured if caught and treated in time. 

Dr. Fuller is a firm believer that using sunscreen daily can help reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.  As a board-certified dermatologic surgeon, she can give you a thorough skin exam, biopsy anything that looks suspicious and remove any potential skin cancer lesions.

Different types of skin cancer include:

Actinic Keratosis

Considered by many to be pre-skin cancers, these areas of skin that tend to be rough and will not heal are the first stage of significant sun damage.  Topical treatments can be used to keep actinic keratosis from progressing to skin cancer.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma usually appears as red, raised translucent lumps and affects 400,000 persons each year.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is usually distinguished by raised reddish lumps or growths that will not heal.  This cancer develops in 100,000 persons per year, is very aggressive and can spread to other parts of the body.

Malignant Melanoma

Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer.  It typically appears as a light brown to black, red or multi-colored mole with uneven borders.  Remember the A,B,C,D’s of Melanoma: asymmetry where one side doesn’t match the other, irregular borders, multiple colors and size or diameter larger than a pencil eraser.  ANY mole that you have a question about is reason to visit a dermatologist.