Skin cancer prevention and detection are critical. With excessive sun exposure, sun protection is a must. In cases where skin cancer cells are detected in the early phases or where pre-cancerous lesions are present, photodynamic therapy is a skin cancer preventative treatment. It uses special chemical compounds that are activated by certain types of light, …
Tests for Skin Cancer & Biopsies
Basal and squamous cell carcinomas, along with other type of skin cancers that are less common, can often be diagnosed with biopsies. A biopsy involves taking a tissue sample that is sent to a lab to be examined for the presence of cancer cells. When a Biopsy is Recommended Skin cancer is diagnosed in one …
Causes & Treatment of Actinic Keratosis
An actinic keratosis is a patch of crusty, scaly skin caused by UV damage to the skin. Actinic keratoses are a precursor to various types of skin cancer. They are most often seen in adults over 40 and individuals who live in sunny climates, work outdoors, or who use sun lamps and tanning beds. Causes …
The Dangers of Precancerous Lesions & Surgical Treatment and Removal
Precancerous lesions can be precursors to certain types of skin cancer and are commonly found on the mouth or other parts of the face. There are four prominent types of precancerous lesions which include: Actinic Keratosis Atypical Fibroxanthoma (AFX) Atypical Moles Melanoma in Situ These types of skin abnormalities are known to develop into skin …
Skin Cancer Removal
Once diagnosed with skin cancer, individuals living in Orange County should contact a skin cancer specialist as soon as possible to discuss options for treating and removing the lesion. The specific removal and reconstruction techniques vary based on the location, size, and type of lesion; however, there are certain steps involved in almost every skin …
Common Skin Cancer Symptoms and Causes
People can develop skin cancer from spending time in the sun without protection. The sun emits ultraviolet light that can cause mutations in the DNA of skin cells. Those who live near the equator have an increased risk of developing cancer from sun exposure. It is imperative that people understand what causes skin cancer so …
Tests for Detecting Melanoma
If you or your physician notice an unusual spot on your body that might be a sign of melanoma, there are a number of tests and questions that you will need to go through. These will help confirm or disprove a skin cancer diagnosis. The usual procedure is as follows: Questions about symptoms. The doctor …
The Essentials of Sun Protection for Children
Children love being out and about enjoying the sun, and it’s good for their health, too. However, a common risk of being outdoors is sun exposure. Skin damage from UV rays can start early on and have effects long after your child has grown. For this reason, it’s important for parents to consider what they …
Understanding the Difference Between UVA and UVB Rays
Ultraviolet rays are part of the electromagnetic spectrum found in sunlight. These rays are invisible to the naked eye and are classified according to their wavelengths as UVA, UVB, or UVC. The majority of UVC radiation is absorbed by the ozone layer and never reaches earth. UVA and UVB rays, on the other hand, are …
The Benefits of Choosing Mohs Surgery for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer
More than three million people are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer annually in the United States. Since sun exposure and indoor tanning are responsible for the majority of these cancers, they tend to occur on highly visible parts of the body, such as the neck and head. This can make surgical treatment cosmetically challenging and …