Skin Cancer

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is cancer that affects skin cells. Common skin cancers include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, the most dangerous kind. Removing cancer not only improves the appearance of your skin but also prevents the cancer from spreading and causing severe harm.

What are the symptoms of skin cancer?

Common symptoms you might notice if you have skin cancer include:

• Flat, flesh-colored lesions
• Waxy or pearly bumps
• Moles that change in appearance
• Scabbing or bleeding sores
• Firm nodules
• Crusty or scaly lesions
• Larger spots containing dark specks
• Lesions that burn or itch
• Moles with irregular borders
• Tiny black moles

Any time you notice new moles or skin lesions that change their appearance, or you develop new or unusual-looking bumps, see your doctor. Get screened for skin cancer or have the lesions removed.

What are the risk factors for skin cancer?

Anyone can develop skin cancer, but things that increase your risk of getting it include:

• Unprotected sun exposure
• Tanning bed exposure
• Having fair skin
• Older age
• Family or personal history of skin cancer
• Having a lot of moles
• Radiation exposure
• Weakened immune system

Guarding your skin against the sun’s damaging UV rays and staying away from tanning beds will considerably lessen your risk of getting skin cancer. Check your skin regularly to keep an eye out for changes.

To find out if you have skin cancer, your provider examines lesions on your skin and asks about your symptoms. They could recommend a biopsy (taking a sample of abnormal-looking tissue for lab analysis).

What should I expect during skin cancer surgery?

During skin cancer surgery at Arizona Preferred Surgeons, your provider numbs the affected skin to ensure that you avoid discomfort. They offer a sedative if you need one to stay relaxed. Your specialist cuts away and removes cancerous tissues, then closes any incisions.

What happens after the procedure?

After skin cancer surgery, it’s important to keep the incision site clean. Take medications if your surgeon asks you to or apply topical medicine to the area. Depending on the severity of your skin cancer, you might need additional cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.

Call the office today or schedule a consultation online to learn more about skin cancer surgery at Arizona Preferred Surgeons.