Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., with an estimated three million people affected annually. It is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. The good news is that skin cancer, when caught early, is easily treatable. Thus, timely detection is key. Skin cancer can affect the young and old, and people of all ethnicities and skin colors; therefore it is important to do monthly self-checks looking for changes in your skin and to have an annual skin exam by a dermatologist.

The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Basal and squamous cell carcinomas are more commonly found in areas of sun exposure and often present as red scaly patches or bumps that scab, bleed or do not heal. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and can present as a changing, dark brown or black mole with an irregular, shape, border or color.

We all live busy lives, but a skin examination should be an important part of your annual health maintenance. During a typical visit, Dr. Jaber and Dr. Cool will examine you thoroughly with a dermatoscope. If a suspicious spot is noted, a skin biopsy may be performed and sent to a lab for further testing.

For more information about skin cancer, please go to http://www.skincancer.org/