Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, yet early detection makes it much less dangerous. Understanding the types of skin cancer, the risk factors, and early warning signs can empower you to take action and protect your skin. At South Nassau Dermatology, with offices in Levittown, Long Beach, and Oceanside, NY, our team provides comprehensive skin cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
Common Types of Skin Cancer
The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most prevalent form and often appears as a pearly or waxy bump, a flat, flesh-colored patch, or a sore that doesn’t heal. It grows slowly and rarely spreads, but early treatment is important to prevent tissue damage.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) typically presents as a firm, red nodule or a scaly patch on sun-exposed skin. While it can be more aggressive than BCC, early diagnosis and treatment are highly effective.
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. It can develop in existing moles or appear as a new dark spot on the skin. It has a higher risk of spreading if not detected early, making vigilance and regular skin checks essential.
Risk Factors for Skin Cancer
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer, including excessive sun exposure or a history of sunburns; fair skin, light hair, and light-colored eyes; family history of skin cancer; weakened immune system; age, as risk increases over time; and use of tanning beds or artificial UV sources.
Understanding your risk can help guide preventive measures and the frequency of skin examinations at our Levittown, Long Beach, and Oceanside offices. Prevention strategies include using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, avoiding peak sun hours, and avoiding tanning beds. Regular skin examinations, both at home and with a dermatologist, are key to catching skin cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages.
Early Warning Signs to Watch For
Detecting skin cancer early is critical. Be alert for changes in your skin, including new growths, bumps, or lesions; sores that do not heal within a few weeks; changes in existing moles, including asymmetry, irregular borders, color variation, diameter, or evolving size and shape; and itching, tenderness, or bleeding from a spot on the skin.
The ABCDE rule is a helpful guide for assessing moles and spots for melanoma: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than 6mm, and Evolving.