Early Detection: How to Spot Skin Cancer and When To Seek Help

Skin cancer affects millions worldwide, with 3.6 million people diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, the most common form, annually, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation. If you suspect skin cancer, you should immediately schedule a consultation with Dr. Dubow Dermatology. Dr. Brian Dubow is your local and trusted dermatologist who can screen and treat you for skin cancer in Beverly Hills, CA.

How to Spot Skin Cancer

The best way to spot this cancer is to check your skin regularly. With consistent skin checks all over your body, you will quickly notice new developments that may be suspicious. Three main categories of cancerous skin lesions can appear, including:

• Basal cell carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Melanoma

Red or pinkish bumps are characteristic of basal cell carcinoma, while squamous cell carcinoma may resemble open sores, rough patches, or warts. Melanoma usually appears as a mole that can change shape. Remember, skin cancer can appear anywhere on the body, especially areas frequently exposed to the sun.

When to Get Professional Help

Even if you are prone to moles, you should look out for unusual-looking ones that change shape. Skin cancer can appear as a mole, bump, scaly patch, or other unusual lesion. Look out for asymmetrical moles. Monitor new spots to see if they change by growing larger, having color variations, or bleeds.

According to IARC, about 330,000 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed worldwide. When you seek timely professional attention from a local dermatologist such as Dr. Dubrow, you have a high chance of recovery. He will check your skin for other lesions and perform a skin biopsy to test for malignancy.

What Treatment Is Available

The best type of treatment for skin cancer in Beverly Hills, CA, depends on the form of cancer you have and how advanced it is. The location of the lesion also matters. Radiation, topical creams, scraping, and excisions are used for various skin cancerous lesions.

Mohs Surgery involves the precise removal of thin layers of skin that are immediately viewed under the microscope. Dr. Dubow reviews each layer of skin microscopically until all signs of cancer are gone. This surgical procedure has a 99% success rate on new cancers and a 95% success rate on recurrent ones, according to Mohs Surgery.org.

There are over 9,500 Americans who receive a skin cancer diagnosis daily, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation. If you suspect skin cancer in Beverly Hills, CA, Dr. Dubow is the professional you can trust with your care. Call Dr. Dubow Dermatology at 310-888-4070 to protect your skin today.