Skin Cancer Screenings & Mole Mapping
Conveniently located to serve Alpharetta, John's Creek, Milton, Cumming, and Roswell
House of Dermatology provides comprehensive medical care to help patients maintain healthy skin. A professional skin cancer screening in Alpharetta, John’s Creek, Milton, Roswell, and Cumming is the first step in proactive health management. Dr. Ravi R. Patel focuses on early detection to identify concerns before they progress into serious issues.
Skin Cancer: Understanding, Prevention, and Treatment
Skin cancer, which involves the abnormal growth of skin cells, is unfortunately quite common. It’s often caused by damage to skin cells, usually from excessive exposure to sunlight or artificial sources like tanning beds. But it’s important to remember that not all skin cancers are the same, and how we deal with and recover from them depends on the specific type.
Why Annual Skin Exams are Critical
Early detection through an annual skin check significantly improves treatment efficacy. Skin cancer is often highly treatable when identified in its initial stages. Regular visits allow Dr. Patel to monitor changes over time and establish a baseline for your health. Prioritizing a dermatology skin check ensures that even subtle changes in your skin are evaluated by a double board-certified professional.
The ABCDEs of Melanoma: What to Look For
Self-monitoring is a vital component of melanoma detection. Patients are encouraged to use the ABCDE method between office visits to identify suspicious spots. Mole mapping can help track these markers over time.
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.
- Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
- Color: The pigmentation is not uniform and may include shades of brown, black, blue,grey or red.
- Diameter: The spot is larger than six millimeters, or about the size of a pencil eraser.
- Evolving: The mole changes in size, shape, or color over a short period.
Types of Skin Cancer
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, arising from basal cells in the lowest layer of the epidermis. It tends to grow slowly and seldom spreads to other parts of the body.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Squamous cell carcinoma begins in squamous cells, which compose most of the skin’s upper layers. SCC is more likely than BCC to invade fatty tissues beneath the skin or spread to distant parts of the body.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer, originating in the melanocytes, or the cells that produce melanin. Melanoma can spread quickly to other organs, making it the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
Skin Cancer Causes and Risk Factors
The primary cause of skin cancer is DNA damage to skin cells, primarily due to UV radiation exposure. This damage can lead to genetic defects that cause the skin cells to grow uncontrollably, forming a mass of cancer cells. Risk factors include:
- Excessive sun exposure
- Use of tanning beds
- Having fair skin, light hair, and blue or green eyes
- Family history of skin cancer
- Being over the age of 50
- Having a large number of moles or abnormal moles
Prevention and Sun Safety
Preventing skin cancer is largely about protecting the skin from excessive UV radiation:
- Use sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, even on cloudy days.
- Wear protective clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, pants, and broad-brimmed hats can provide additional protection.
- Seek shade: Avoid the sun during its peak intensity hours, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Avoid tanning beds: They can significantly increase the risk of skin cancer.
Skin Cancer Signs and Symptoms
Early detection of skin cancer is crucial. Signs and symptoms to watch for include:
- New growths or sores that do not heal
- Changes in existing moles, such as an increase in size, irregular edges, or color changes
- Small, smooth, pearly, or waxy bumps
- Flat, red spots that are rough, dry, or scaly
Early Detection and Self-Examination
Regular skin self-examination can help detect skin cancer early, when it is most treatable. Look for new growths, spots, bumps, patches, or sores that don’t heal. A monthly head-to-toe self-examination is recommended.
Skin Cancer Screening and Biopsy
If you notice any suspicious skin changes, consult a dermatologist immediately. They may perform a biopsy, removing a small sample of skin for laboratory analysis to determine the presence of cancer cells.
Treatment Options for Suspicious Lesions
If a lesion is identified as high-risk, we provide several skin cancer treatment pathways within our medical dermatology department. Dr. Patel may perform a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis or use cryotherapy to freeze precancerous cells.
For confirmed cases, options include non-surgical superficial radiotherapy, surgical excision, or specialized Mohs surgery. We also address actinic keratosis to prevent the development of future malignancies.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type, size, location, and stage of the cancer, and may include:
- Surgical removal: The most common treatment for skin cancer, involves the removal of the tumor and some surrounding tissue.
- Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to kill cancer cells; sometimes applied as a cream or lotion for cancers limited to the top layer of the skin.
- Immunotherapy: Boosts the body’s natural defenses to fight cancer.
- Cryotherapy: This treatment uses extreme cold to freeze and destroy cancer cells.
Why Choose a Skin Cancer Specialist?
When diagnosed with skin cancer, it’s important to choose a healthcare provider specializing in dermatology or oncology with experience in treating skin cancer. Look for board-certified professionals who are knowledgeable about the latest treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get a skin cancer screening?
Most patients should schedule an annual skin check to ensure consistent monitoring. Those with a personal or family history of skin cancer may require more frequent visits as recommended by Dr. Patel.
Does a skin biopsy hurt?
A local anesthetic is used to numb the area before the sample is taken, minimizing discomfort. The process is quick, and most patients return to their daily routine immediately following the procedure.
Can I wear makeup to my appointment?
It is best to arrive with clean skin and no nail polish to allow for a thorough full-body skin exam. Makeup can sometimes obscure small lesions or discolorations that need evaluation.
Contact Us To Learn More About Skin Cancer
Skin cancer can be an unsettling diagnosis, but with early detection and proper treatment, the prognosis is often very good. If you have concerns about skin cancer or notice any changes in your skin, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. Our team will help you learn more information on skin cancer types, risk factors, prevention, and treatment options. Your health and safety are our top priorities, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.